Vermont-Québec : FrancoConnexions with Minister Rita De Santis

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

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On a mission in Vermont, Minister Rita De Santis highlights the importance of Francophone heritage in New England.

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BURLINGTON, VT, March 21, 2017 / CNW Telbec / - The Minister responsible for Access to Information and the Reform of Democratic Institutions, Rita De Santis, concluded yesterday a two-day mission to Burlington, Vermont, within of the activities surrounding the International Francophonie Day.

On Sunday, the Minister participated in a networking event at the Alliance Française du Lac Champlain where she was able to exchange views with a number of dignitaries and representatives of Francophone and Francophile civil societies in the region. On Monday, she spoke at the Franco Connexions conference organized by the University of Vermont, in collaboration with the Québec Government Office in Boston and many local associations. The activity aimed to highlight the historical, cultural and economic contributions of French Canadian immigrants to Vermont and New England.

It was also an opportunity for the Minister to meet with the Governor of Vermont, Phil Scott, and take note of the various priority issues for Québec and Vermont. Finally, the Minister also spoke after the conference at the Francophonie ceremony, with the Governor of Vermont, and the Mayor of the City of Burlington, Miro Weinberger. This mission aimed to highlight the bonds of friendship between Vermont and Québec, the importance of francophone culture and the interdependence of our economies.

Citations:

"Québec and Vermont enjoy a strong friendship, particularly based on our common cultural heritage. This relationship is reinforced by initiatives such as the Franconnexions conference, which illustrates the depth of Francophone roots in the culture of New England. Our close ties allow us to work together on major issues such as mobility, tourism and economic development. This type of collaboration is reflected in projects such as the finalization of the A35 motorway, which will facilitate the cross-border travel. In February, Premier Philippe Couillard and Governor Phil Scott also agreed on the start of a new project aimed at greater student mobility between our two territories" said Minister De Santis.

Follow the links below to get a recap on the conference:

Welcoming Remarks
William Falls, UVM Dean of Arts and Sciences and Rita De Santis, Minister responsible for Access to Information and the Reform of Democratic Institutions

Link

The Past
- How and why were Vermont and New England populated by so many French Canadians in the 19th and early 20th centuries?
- How were they received?
- When and why did this influx assimilate?

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The Present
- How do cross-border connections with Québec, in tourism and in trade, continue to shape the culture and economy of New England?

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The Future
- What does French-Canadian immigration teach us about current immigration trends?
- What can we learn from the past as we shape this future?

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Interview with Minister Rita De Santis

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Closing Remarks
Phil Scott, Governor of Vermont and Rita de Santis, Minister for Access to Information and the Reform of Democratic Institutions

Link