—

Welcome to everyone taking part in the 17th Festival d‘été francophone de
Vancouver.

Canadians from one end of the country to the other share two languages and
two cultures, which are the essential elements of our identity. The Festival
d‘été francophone de Vancouver highlights the diversity of French-speaking
Canadian and international artists. | enthusiastically encourage the region's
Francophones and Francophiles, as well as visitors from across Canada and
around the world, to take part in this summer celebration, where some of the
big names in French-language music will take centre stage

As Minister of Heritage and Status of Women, | would like to thank every-
one who, each year, ensures the success of the Festival d’été francophone de
Vancouver.

Enjoy the festival!

Beverley J. Oda
Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Minister responsible for Status of Women

As Premier of the province of British Columbia, | would like to
welcome everyone to the 17th annual Festival d’été franco-
phone de Vancouver.

Since 1990, this Festival has brought excellent Francophone
music to the west coast. | am sure that this year’s event will
once again bring together thousands of people to enjoy ten fabulous French
Canadian days of entertainment, celebration and festivity.

As a province, we recently marked the importance of the French language
with the proclamation of la Journée de la Francophonie. It is important to
take time to appreciate the contributions of the francophone community to
British Columbia. Events such as the Festival d’été francophone de Vancou-
ver give British Columbians the opportunity to celebrate the cultural heritage
and diversity of our province and our nation.

| would like to recognize the organizers of this wonderful event, Le Centre
culturel francophone de Vancouver, for their energy and enthusiasm in coor-
dinating this festival every year.

Please accept my best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable time
€

Sincerely

Goto BRITISH
Gordon Campbell COLUMBIA
Premier

|am delighted that the Government of Québec is to be once
again associated with the successful running of the Festival
d‘été francophone de Vancouver in 2006. The funding we
are providing will enable Québec artists to appear at this
important event, which celebrates Francophones within
Canada.

The festival is a chance for Francophones and Francophiles
to meet each year, and confirms the dynamic nature of our respective
cultures and the richness of exchanges between Québec and the British
Columbia francophone community, especially in the artistic field. | am sure
that this event will continue to promote better mutual understanding and
contribute to a flourishing and developing French reality in Canada.

| would like to offer a warm welcome to all those attending the festival,
and wish the organizers every continued success.

Enjoy the festival!

A
Aan Québec
BENOIT PELLETIER
Minister responsible for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs,
Francophones within Canada, the Agreement on Internal Trade,

the Reform of Democratic Institutions and Access to Information