Legault flies to France with ‘economic mission’ ahead of Francophonie Summit

Quebec Premier François Legault flew to France, where he will take part in the Francophonie Summit on Friday and Saturday, after three days during which he intends to lead an “economic mission.”

From Tuesday to Thursday, Legault plans to meet with “political and economic figures,” his office said, refusing to specify what is on the agenda.

The main objectives are to increase trade, strengthen ties between Quebec and French businesses, and promote Quebec culture and the French language.

On Thursday, Legault will be in Paris, where he will take part in FrancoTech, the economic forum organized by the Francophonie Summit, The Canadian Press has learned.

The event will bring together French-speaking entrepreneurs, including Quebecers. It aims to promote innovation in French, strengthen the Francophone economic space and encourage business meetings.

Starting Friday, Legault will participate in the 19th Francophonie Summit, which is being held at the Château de Villers-Cotterêts, in the suburbs of Paris, as well as in the City of Lights.

Every two years, the summit brings together the heads of state and government of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), the only international organization where Quebec sits autonomously and speaks with its own voice.

Digital technology and the discoverability of French-language content online are priorities for Quebec at the meeting. The government will also focus on promoting the French language, strengthening the “economic Francophonie” and youth.

The Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Martine Biron, and the new Delegate General of Quebec in Paris and former president of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Henri-Paul Rousseau, will accompany Legault.

The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, also indicated that he will travel to France for the Francophonie Summit.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews