March 11, 2010
Immigrants Recognized at B.C. Francophonie Day(aussi disponible en français)

VICTORIA - Francophone immigration to British Columbia was highlighted today as the Province proclaimed the eighth annual B.C. Francophonie Day for March 20, led by Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations and minister responsible for francophone affairs.

"Immigration plays an important role in supporting the demographic vitality of our B.C. francophone community," said Yamamoto. "The provincial government is proud to see more and more francophones choosing our province as a place to live, work and raise their children."

"The Province is pleased to be working with numerous partners including the francophone community to maximize the social and economic benefits of immigration to British Columbia," said Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development. "As new immigrants arrive, it is important that we continue to come together to make the experience supportive and welcoming."

The immigration branch at the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development administers the Provincial Nominee Program, which selects skilled or experienced workers who want to settle permanently in B.C. The ministry is also responsible for WelcomeBC, which brings together immigrant settlement services and welcoming communities initiatives under a single umbrella. Funding for these settlement and inclusive communities programs is made possible by the Agreement for Canada-British Columbia Co-operation on Immigration.

Canada, along with 55 countries around the world, celebrates March 20 as the International Day of the Francophonie. B.C.'s annual Francophonie Day provides the opportunity to celebrate the contribution of francophones to our province and our country.

Yamamoto marked the proclamation of Francophonie Day with a ceremony and reception at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria. Along with Minister Stilwell, French-speaking MLAs Norm Letnick (Kelowna-Lake Country), Marc Dalton (Maple Ridge-Mission) and members of the francophone community also attended.

"We are proud of the fact that francophone immigration to our province contributes in a unique way to the economic, social and cultural development of B.C.," said Dr. Real Roy, Federation des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique president. "It is changing our province and our community."

"With the oldest and largest francophone community in British Columbia, Coquitlam is proud to represent Canada's linguistic duality," said Richard Stewart, mayor of Coquitlam. "We recently participated in Destination Canada 2009 in France. It gave Coquitlam a chance to showcase itself, as well as the entire province, as a location of choice for skilled francophone personnel looking to come to Canada."

During today's event, the ministers presented plaques recognizing two francophone immigrants who have participated in the Provincial Nominee Program. Sophie Aubugeau, co-ordinator of the Connection Center for Francophone Immigrants, and Pascal Courty, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Victoria, were honoured for their contributions to B.C.'s economic, social and cultural development.

The funding to support this event is provided under the Canada-British Columbia. Agreement on Official Languages.

-30-