MISCOU (CNB) - Premier Shawn Graham participated in the opening ceremonies of the fourth World Acadian Congress this morning.
The premier thanked those who organized the congress, which is expected to be an important event in the history of the Acadians and the Acadian Peninsula.
"The people of the Acadian Peninsula promised Acadians and the entire world a congress that would bring people together," Graham said. "Today, on the occasion of this fourth World Acadian Congress, I expect that this will be a very important and successful gathering for New Brunswick's Adacian community.
"New Brunswick needs a strong Acadian community, a united Acadian Peninsula, and an engaged public. This congress has all the ingredients of a recipe for success. It will go down in history, enabling us to grow together, to become closer, and to build an even more prosperous and self-sufficient New Brunswick."The provincial government invested more than $2 million to support the committee organizing the congress.
Through this support, the provincial government acknowledged the contribution of the Acadian and francophone communities to the province's development, helping to make New Brunswick a model of cultural diversity and acceptance and an important player within the Canadian and international Francophonie.
07-08-09