Minister to Travel to France to Strengthen Francophone Relations

Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie Lena Metlege Diab will travel to Paris next week to promote Nova Scotia and build on historical ties between France and Acadie.

The week-long visit, beginning Tuesday, Aug. 7, will include commemoration ceremonies in honour of Acadian soldiers involved with the liberation of France during the Second World War, meetings with government officials and participating in cultural events.

“Our Acadian and Francophone community is a core part of Nova Scotia’s cultural identity,” said Ms. Diab. “The visit will be an opportunity to pay respect and homage to Acadians who died on the Normandy beaches in the liberation of their ancestral home and strengthen our long-standing relationships in the international Francophonie.”

The ceremonies are part of the La Semaine Acadienne festival that recognizes the important contributions of Canadians, specifically Acadian soldiers. The minister will attend wreath laying ceremonies at Plage de Bernières-sur-mer and the Juno Beach Centre.

Ms. Diab, who is also Minister of Immigration, will meet with government officials, including Ambassador of Canada to France Isabelle Hudon, to discuss potential avenues for immigration and future missions to the country for recruitment purposes.