OTTAWA, October 31, 2024

Showcasing Francophone artists and their work strengthens the vitality of Canada’s official language minority communities. More than ever, it is crucial to be collaborative and inclusive in increasing the visibility and outreach of minority artists, arts and culture organizations and industries.

With these goals in mind, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, met with the leaders of the National Arts Centre, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the National Film Board of Canada and Telefilm Canada at the annual forum of the network of members of the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française. They announced the renewal of the Collaboration Agreement for the Development of Arts and Culture in the Francophone Minority Communities of Canada. Minister Boissonault took part in the signing ceremony on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Agreement aims to strengthen consultation and collaboration among stakeholders, while allowing each of them to meet their obligations under the Official Languages Act. It proposes to implement concrete positive measures to ensure the sustainable cultural development of Canada’s Francophone minority communities as well as the vitality of Francophone minority culture.

This agreement was signed 25 years ago and was recently renewed as part of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028. It plays an essential role in the promotion and support of arts and culture in Canada’s Francophone minority communities.