Whitehorse, Wednesday, June 20, 2007

My husband, Jean-Daniel, and I are delighted to be with you today.

As Francophones, Canadian Fracophonie is of great importance to us.

We were very excited to meet you because, as you may know, your reputation extends beyond your territory.

People in other parts of Canada have often told me how dynamic the Francophone community is in Yukon.

I was also happy to learn that Yukon is the only place in Canada outside Quebec where the Francophone community is growing.

I would like to congratulate you for the efforts you make on a daily basis to help the French language and culture thrive in this land of exceptional beauty.

I have learned about the wide range of services you offer the community—education and training, job searches, support for entrepreneurs, activities for young people, women’s issues, and cultural activities—and I would like to congratulate you for your work and your accomplishments.

The discussion we have just had with some of you regarding your aspirations more than justifies the reputation you have earned in the rest of the country.

I feel as though the growth of Francophones in Yukon is a collective, energetic and inspired undertaking.

I use the term inspired because I think your approach should be a model for all linguistic communities living in minority situations.

We are thrilled to be here with you and we hope to establish a productive dialogue with the proud Francophones here in Yukon.

Next year, we will celebrate the 400^th anniversary of a French presence in the Americas.

And Francophones in Yukon are an important part of the collective wealth we will highlight in front of the entire world.

We invite you to share this pride with the people of this territory and of this country.

Every Canadian should feel as though this collective wealth belongs to them and be equally proud of it.

Thank you for your warm welcome.