Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. Tomorrow, Saturday, March 20th, will culminate a week of international celebration as Francophones and Francophiles throughout the Northwest Territories join with people in India, Senegal, and Egypt, among others, to honour their culture and heritage through Francophonie Day.
(Translation) This day was created in 1998 as a way for the ensemble of people who speak the French and Creole languages to celebrate their common bond. Honoured over five continents and uniting over 170 million speakers, French speakers join together with the United Nations to reaffirm their common commitment to peace, democracy and bridging cultural diversity. (Translation ends)
As Minister responsible for official languages, I am pleased to highlight that here in the Northwest Territories, we, too, are a part of the celebrations.
In Fort Smith, a storyteller will be attending with students and others to enjoy the tradition of oral history, drum making and puppetry. As well, students of the Francophone Association's after-school program will be opening an exhibit at the Northern Lights Museum entitled, "The Magic of the North," a photography exhibit featuring a student's view of why Fort Smith is important to them.
(Translation) At L'Ecole boreale in Hay River, a reading challenge has been set where students are challenged to reach 25,000 minutes during the month of March. As well,
on Saturday evening, families from Francophone countries will be joining at the curling rink for a fete involving food and dancing from the 10 countries represented in the Hay River area. (Translation ends)
In Yellowknife, we will once again be treated to the annual Cabane a sucre or Sugar Shack at both the Snow King's Castle and during Caribou Carnival.
(Translation) As well, individual celebrations will be held in immersion programs throughout the North and with families and friends. (Translation ends)
Mr. Speaker, please join me as throughout the North, Canada and the world, people celebrate the beauty of the French language. Merci.
---Applause