April 23, 2026
Manitoba Government Welcomes Francophone Delegation
– – –Manitoba Strengthening Its Place in Francophonie: Simard
The Manitoba government is honoured to welcome 15 ambassadors and diplomats from the Groupe d’Ambassadrices et d’Ambassadeurs francophones d’Ottawa (GAF), which represents more than 50 member states of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard, minister responsible for francophone affairs, announced today.
“This mission offers an invaluable opportunity for Manitoba to showcase the vitality, diversity and growth of our francophone communities,” said Simard. “We are committed to strengthening our place within the international Francophonie and to advancing our goal of becoming a truly bilingual province. We are extremely happy to host this delegation alongside St. Boniface MLA Robert Loiselle as we share the great francophone communities of Manitoba.”
The visit follows an invitation extended by Simard during his presentation to the GAF in Ottawa in October 2025, where he outlined Manitoba’s intention to become an observer member of the OIF. Manitoba formally submitted its application for observer status in January 2026. If approved, the province would join the organization in November at the next Francophonie summit in Cambodia.
The delegation will participate in a series of events designed to deepen their understanding of Manitoba’s francophone heritage, institutions and aspirations.
The delegation will meet with community stakeholders and members of the French-speaking public during a breakfast panel at the Centre culturel franco-manitobain, followed by a tour of the Université de Saint-Boniface. The Manitoba government will host roundtable discussions with several cabinet ministers, including Simard, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses, Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino, Finance Minister Adrien Sala and Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Nellie Kennedy. The delegation will also have the opportunity to experience one of Manitoba’s francophone communities with a visit to St-Pierre-Jolys.
The mission underscores the Manitoba government’s commitment to expanding its international partnerships and promoting its francophone communities on the global stage. Engagements throughout the visit will highlight the Manitoba government’s bilingual vision, cultural richness and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the OIF.
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