Francophone Affairs Legislative Secretary Wayne Elhard announced that March 6 to 22 has been proclaimed as Rendez-vous de la Francophonie 2015 in Saskatchewan.
“Rendez-vous is a time in Saskatchewan to celebrate French language and culture, along with the historic and ongoing Fransaskois contributions to our great province,” Elhard said. “During this celebration, it’s also fitting to recognize that 2015 marks a quarter century of the opening of a dedicated provincial government office co-ordinating French-language services.”
Held annually across the country, Rendez-vous de la Francophonie promotes French language and francophone culture and coincides with the International Day of La Francophonie on March 20. Various Saskatchewan communities will participate with events. Please visit the calendar section of the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie website at www.rvf.ca for one near you.
There are 9.5 million people who speak French in Canada, including almost 50,000 in Saskatchewan. The province’s francophones, known as Fransaskois, are found throughout Saskatchewan with concentrations in Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Bellegarde, Bellevue, Debden, Gravelbourg, la Trinité (Vonda, Prud’homme, St. Denis), The Battlefords, Ponteix, Willow Bunch and Zenon Park.
In 1990, the Government of Saskatchewan’s Office of French-language Co-ordination opened. Today, it’s known as the Francophone Affairs Branch, which provides policy and translation services to all provincial ministries, Crown corporations and agencies, along with managing the provincial government’s French-language Services Centre. To access it, visit the Bonjour! website at www.bonjour.gov.sk.ca.
The Francophone Affairs Legislative Secretary’s duties include French-language services and engagement with the francophone community in Saskatchewan.
