FREDERICTON – Message of the Commissioner of Official Languages for New Brunswick, Michel A. Carrier, in recognition of Provincial French Pride Week being held from March 15-19, 2010.
Provincial French Pride Week is a time to celebrate not only the French language but also the rich culture associated with it. And the slogan for the 21st annual French Pride Week reminds us of that: Partons à l’aventure, fêtons notre culture! (Let’s discover; let’s celebrate our culture!)
The multiplicity of languages and cultures enriches us all. In its Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, UNESCO says that this “diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature.”
In many ways, New Brunswick embodies Canada’s linguistic and cultural diversity. Our province’s bilingual status, which ensures the equality of our two languages, helps to raise the profile of French throughout New Brunswick. In a survey conducted in 2009, 84% of New Brunswickers said they were proud to live in the only officially bilingual province. That is good news.
In this era of globalization, it is important to promote cultural diversity. Activities such as Provincial French Pride Week help to do that. For the past 21 years, this event has provided us with an opportunity to celebrate the richness and vitality of French. It is also an ideal time to reflect upon the place of French in our daily lives. Every francophone and francophile has a role to play in ensuring the vitality of French here and around the world.
I therefore invite all New Brunswickers to take part in the many activities during Provincial French Pride Week. Yes, let’s discover and let’s celebrate our culture!
CONTACT PERSON:
Hugues Beaulieu, Director of Public Affairs and Research
Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages for New Brunswick
(506) 444-4229, 1-888-651-6444 (toll-free), e-mail hugues.beaulieu@gnb.ca