News Release

MONCTON (GNB) – New Brunswick will host the 58th ministerial session of the Conférence des ministres de l’éducation des États et gouvernements de la Francophonie (conference of ministers of education of states and governments that are members of La Francophonie) in spring 2018.

“New Brunswick is an important partner in the conference,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Brian Kenny. “Your government is proud the province is hosting this event, especially given that, over the past few years, we have made significant headway in the early childhood sector. It will therefore be a great opportunity to showcase this.”

The meeting will focus on early childhood development and preschool education.

The conference, which involves 44 states and government members, is the oldest institution of La Francophonie. It promotes education and professional and technical training, and also guides educational policies of members through the decisions and recommendations made at ministerial sessions, which are held every two years.

New Brunswick hosted the 53rd ministerial session of the conference in Caraquet in 2008, and also chaired the organization from 2008 to 2010.

“Hosting this conference in 2018 is great news for all New Brunswickers because of the positive economic benefits, whether for local businesses or tourism in general,” said Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also minister responsible for La Francophonie. “This will also allow many partners of our education system to present their expertise in early childhood, education and post-secondary education.”

The date and location will be determined within the next few months.