Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg will welcome leaders from French-speaking communities throughout the Americas, as it plays host to the annual rendez-vous of the Francophone and Francophile Cities Network (FFCN) September 17 & 18, 2020. This year’s theme is Toward a booming Francophonie, and attendees will discuss a variety of issues including economic development, and destination marketing and tourism, among others.
“Winnipeg has a large francophone community rooted in rich culture and heritage that goes back many, many years,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “It is a pleasure to welcome the FFCN to our city to explore ways we can collaborate toward more tourism, economic development and cultural benefits.”
“I’m excited to welcome leaders from French-speaking communities to our wonderful city,” said Matt Allard, Councillor for St. Boniface and Council’s Francophone Liaison. “Our community is a microcosm of la Francophonie itself, and I can’t wait to share with all attendees the story of how our vibrant and strong Franco-Manitoban community is woven into the larger story of la Francophonie worldwide.”
About the FFCN
In 2008, the mayor of Quebec City suggested creating a continental network for municipalities to share their history, heritage, experience, and expertise. The mayors of Moncton, and Lafayette, Louisiana welcomed the idea. In 2015, the three founding cities partnered with the Centre de la francophonie des Amériques to create the Francophone and Francophile Cities Network (FFCN).
Today, the FFCN is comprised of 152 member cities from nine Canadian provinces, 17 U.S. states, Haiti, Martinique, and Guadeloupe.
The FFCN enables members to work together and collaborate to create links that generate tourism, economic, and cultural benefits for cities and their communities
For more information on the conference, see: City of Winnipeg – FFCN