Joint declaration between the Province of Ontario, Canada and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation

Joint declaration between the Province of Ontario, Canada and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation

Governments from both jurisdictions confirm their intent to build Francophonie cooperation

September 22, 2021

Francophone Affairs

TORONTO, BRUSSELS — In recognition of the vitality and potential of their francophone communities, Ontario and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation commit to official discussions with the aim of promoting exchanges in the areas of culture, education, and economic development.

Inspired by the spirit of innovation and potential social and economic benefits, this declaration opens the way to an eventual expansion of cooperation, notably in the areas of higher education, digital media, youth, promotion of the French language, as well as the two jurisdictions’ shared Francophonie.

“Our government is proud to be signing Ontario’s first international joint declaration pertaining to the Francophonie, which falls in line with our vision to support the development and prosperity of the Franco-Ontarian community,” said Minister of Francophone Affairs Caroline Mulroney. “As members of the worldwide Francophone community, Ontario and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation share a vision of a strong and united Francophonie.”

“In a global context of significant turmoil, I am convinced that the international Francophonie must play its part. The signing of the joint declaration between the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and Ontario fully reflects my desire to promote the French language and the values it embodies,” said Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Minister-President of the Government of the French Community of Belgium. “Allowing our respective governments to develop exchanges in the areas of culture, education and digital technology can only strengthen the Francophonie and the bond between our respective communities.”

Quick Facts

  • Belgium is Ontario’s 14th largest export market and ranks 16th in terms of imports. In 2019, bilateral trade between Belgium and Ontario totaled approximately C$3 billion.
  • Higher education institutions in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and Ontario already have established linkages. Each year, for example, Ontario students take French-language and culture courses in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
  • The Wallonia-Brussels Federation has, by virtue of the Belgian Constitution, a power of competence in matters of international cooperation and the conclusion of treaties. In the context of its international relations, it relies on a network of diplomatic representations around the world, including in Canada.
  • This is Ontario’s first international joint declaration pertaining to the Francophonie.
  • Ontario and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, respectively, have observer and full-member status at the Organisation international de la Francophonie.

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