The Government of Canada supports a series of events on June 24 to celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste: Fête nationale du Québec et de la Francophonie canadienne, in several Canadian cities
QUÉBEC, May 26, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced funding of $2.4 million for a major project to be held on June 24 to mark Saint-Jean-Baptiste: Fête nationale du Québec et de la Francophonie canadienne. Minister Joly was accompanied by Diane Blais, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Centre de la francophonie des Amériques (CFA).
This funding will allow the CFA to present activities in several Canadian cities to celebrate the Canadian Francophonie like never before. For the first time, live performances will take place in six cities, featuring more than 50 Francophone and Francophile artists from across the country. Canadians will also be able to view the celebrations live on several online platforms, thanks to a partnership with Télévision francophone de l'Ontario (TFO).
Interactive doors installed in the six cities will offer viewers a unique multi-sensory experience by inviting them to connect through the magic of virtual reality. Minister Joly encouraged all Canadians to take part in the activities organized for this special day, and urged them not to miss the other activities planned throughout this exceptional year.
Quotes
"We are proud to support the celebrations of Saint-Jean-Baptiste: Fête nationale du Québec et de la Francophonie canadienne. Canada 150 celebrations offer a great opportunity to open doors and build bridges between different Francophone communities in Canada, and demonstrate that the Francophonie is alive and more dynamic than ever. I invite all Canadians to take advantage of this symbolic day to celebrate the French language and culture from coast to coast to coast."
—Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"This year, celebrations of the Canadian Francophonie will be bigger than ever before! Talented artists will perform live at several locations across Canada to showcase the plurality of our Francophone culture. I encourage all Francophones and Francophiles to make the most of this unique opportunity to join family and friends and celebrate this living language, which is woven into the intellectual and emotional fabric of our nation."
—Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre)
"Designed as a celebration of the French presence in the Americas, the project will bring life to communities and bring them together. Constellation francophone is first and foremost a dialogue between communities—a reflection of a plural and inclusive Francophonie in a year of full celebrations, where the expression and pride of millions of Francophones are in the spotlight."
—Diane Blais, Chair of the Board of Directors, Centre de la francophonie des Amériques
Quick Facts
On June 24, 2017, the CFA will present six free major performances. The live stage shows will be simulcast from Moncton/Dieppe, Québec City, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg and Whitehorse.
Established Francophone and Francophile artists, emerging artists and Indigenous artists will be featured on the six stages to showcase the plurality of Canada's Francophonie.
Community events will also be held in every province and territory so that all Canadians can participate in the June 24 celebrations.
These major celebrations, a key component of Canada 150, also include National Aboriginal Day, a celebration of Indigenous culture and heritage (June 21); Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27); and Canada Day (July 1).
Related Products
Twelve Days of Celebrations for Our Country's Birthday! http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/twelve-days-of-celebrations-for-our-countrys-birthday-623170513.html
Associated Links
Canada 150: Come out and celebrate! http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1468854891549/1469215680151
Centre de la francophonie des Amériques http://www.francophoniedesameriques.com/
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only): Pierre-Olivier Herbert, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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