Statement from Premier Pillai and Minister Streicker on National Francophone Immigration Week

Premier and Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai and Minister responsible for the French Language Services Directorate John Streicker have issued the following statement:

“National Francophone Immigration Week is an annual tradition in which we acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of French-speaking immigrants in the Yukon.

“This year’s National Francophone Immigration Week is taking place from November 5 to 11 under the theme Terre accueillante, or Welcoming Land. This theme encourages us to value each other’s cultures and to reflect on what it means to be a welcoming land for everyone.

“This celebration is coordinated at the national level by the Fédération des communautés Francophones et acadienne (FCFA) du Canada (Federation of Francophone and Acadian Communities of Canada) and here in the Yukon by the Association franco-yukonnaise (l’AFY) in partnership with the Yukon Francophone Immigration Network. Each year, approximately 100 activities are held across the country, including cultural evenings, coffee debates, cooking workshops, labour market training, testimonial circles and school celebrations.

“Here in the territory, National Francophone Immigration Week is an opportunity to bring together Yukoners and Francophones of all backgrounds. We encourage all Yukoners to participate, with family and friends, in the many activities taking place across the Yukon this week. We encourage all Yukoners to seize this opportunity to take part in some of the events and celebrate our Francophone community.”