La Grand’Terre, Monday, July 10, 2006

I am delighted to be here with you today.

And how wonderful to speak to you in French! That language we all cherish, that we must keep alive and sparkling with our varied accents throughout the Americas for generations to come.

The French fact is intimately linked to the uniqueness and vitality of this country and its history. A history of its very beginnings. A history we continue to make today. It is certainly one of the many reasons why so many of the world’s peoples are drawn to our doorstep. After all, it was language that led my husband and me to put down roots on Quebec soil in this country: he as a landed immigrant, my family and I as refugees. We came to join other members of the Francophone family here in North America. And today, when tourism represents a sector that is dynamic and vital to our economy, the French fact is certainly an added value which we must promote with pride and creativity.

I have just come from a very interesting meeting with representatives of the Francophone community at the Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne de La Grand’Terre.

Your day‑to‑day efforts to keep this French language and culture community alive in a predominantly English-speaking province deserve our congratulations, admiration and encouragement.

To keep the French language and culture alive in our country is not only the responsibility of French-speaking Canadians. The French heritage should be considered as an asset to us all, and we should take pride in this. Our linguistic duality opens up our horizons to two of the most widely spoken languages on this planet.

We should all be aware of the difficulties in maintaining a French identity. Let other Canadians know of the many challenges you face, not least of which is the fact that Francophones represent only 0.5 percent of the total population of Newfoundland, coupled with the fact that you are spread out from one end of this province to the other.

And yet despite the many obstacles along the way, you have managed to continue living your lives in French. You have every reason to be very proud of this achievement. Like many other vulnerable Francophone communities throughout Canada, in Southern Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and elsewhere, you have simply refused to give up.

And so today, your province and our country are richer because of your contribution to Canadian culture and to the Francophone heritage of this continent.

You must continue in your efforts. Because French culture is a vital strand of the rich tapestry that is Newfoundland and Labrador. It would be so sad to let this heritage disappear forever!

The French heritage stands alongside that of the First Nations and the Norse, the Portuguese fishermen and the settlers who came from the British Isles, as well as all of the other nationalities who have come here to join in our shared adventure.

Together, you have built something unique here in Newfoundland and Labrador. And that partnership is a solid foundation to build on.

In this new interconnected world, all peoples must work together in order to get ahead. Here in this province, there is much to be gained by Aboriginal, Francophone, Anglophone and new citizens coming together for the common good.

In places with small populations—Canada in a larger sense, but also Newfoundland and Labrador—we must ensure that every citizen has the tools needed to make a contribution to our society. I am convinced that many solutions to critical issues will come from smaller communities where civic responsibility and concern for others are strong and alive.

And if we all pull together, we can all achieve so much more!

As people in this province know better than most, strong communities are the key to survival and success.

That is why I am so confident that you will succeed in overcoming the obstacles in your way, and that the best years of this region lie in the future.

Why? Because you are Newfoundlanders, and your determination is legendary. In the past four days, I have had the opportunity to see first-hand the strength of character and ingenuity of the people of this province.

I have met numerous citizens at gatherings in St. John’s, Trinity, Corner Brook, Stephenville, and in towns along the way, and I have been impressed by the joie de vivre of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, by your insight, your openness, and your complete lack of pretension, which makes it so enjoyable just to talk with you.

I know I don’t have to tell you that this province is a special place—but I do want to underline it for those who have not yet had the opportunity to come and visit.

And finally, I want to sincerely thank you for welcoming me here today.

As always, the hospitality and thoughtfulness of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is second to none; you have truly made me feel at home. We will certainly be back!

Thank you very much. It has been an absolute privilege spending this time with you.