The Honourable Lin Paddock, Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development and Minister of Francophone Affairs, is scheduled to attend the Annual Meeting of the Ministers’ Council on the Canadian Francophonie. The meeting is set to take place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from June 25 to 26, 2026, as announced by Newfoundland and Labrador Releases.
The Ministers’ Council on the Canadian Francophonie serves as a forum for provincial and territorial ministers responsible for Francophone affairs. These meetings typically address issues related to the vitality and development of Francophone communities across Canada.
Participation in this council provides Newfoundland and Labrador with an opportunity to contribute to discussions on intergovernmental cooperation concerning Francophone initiatives. Such initiatives can include support for French-language services, education, and cultural programs.
Minister Paddock’s attendance underscores Newfoundland and Labrador’s engagement with national efforts to promote and support Francophone populations. The outcomes of these meetings often guide policy development at the provincial and territorial levels, influencing various aspects of Francophone community life.
Specific agenda items for the 2026 meeting have not been detailed. However, previous meetings have covered topics such as economic development in Francophone communities and strategies for retaining and attracting Francophones to less populated regions.