News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Town of Caraquet will host the ninth Rendez-vous Acadie-Québec in the spring of 2024.

More than 200 entrepreneurs and economic stakeholders from across New Brunswick and Quebec will meet to discuss new business opportunities and establish partnerships during this biennial networking event.

“Holding the next Rendez-vous in Caraquet is excellent news for the province’s entire Acadian and francophone community,” said Glen Savoie, minister responsible for La Francophonie. “Caraquet is well-known in Quebec as a tourist destination, and its reputation for hosting and organizing large-scale events is firmly established. Given its strategic location, extensive economic and cultural partnerships and rural development capacity, I am confident that the ninth Rendez-vous Acadie-Québec will become a springboard for new business ventures between our respective regions.”

Caraquet Mayor Bernard Thériault said that the event will showcase the region’s economic know-how.

“Over the last 150 years, Caraquet has developed expertise in organizing ambitious events,” said Thériault. “From the National Convention in 1905 to the Eucharistic Congress in 1950, the Congrès mondial acadien in 2009 and the Jeux de l’Acadie in 1994 and 2016, Caraquet has a reputation for knowing how to put on events in grand style. We could not be more pleased and we are already looking forward to welcoming you to Caraquet in 2024.”

“The Government of Quebec congratulates the Town of Caraquet for being selected to host this major forum for developing business relationships between Quebec and Acadie,” said Jean-François Roberge, Quebec minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie. “Caraquet will be taking up the torch passed on by Rivière-du-Loup. I have no doubt that with its entrepreneurial spirit, Caraquet will be pulling together a highly rewarding event for the business community while also demonstrating the francophone advantage and helping to expand the francophone economic space.”

According to the Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick, this forum will be a must-attend event for business people seeking to develop new markets.

“Through the Rendez-vous Acadie-Québec, entrepreneurs will have a chance to build partnerships, negotiate agreements and grow their sales,” said CEO Gaëtan Thomas. “And it is very interesting to note that business owners who have taken part in prior editions are reporting that French has become a competitive advantage for their companies.”

“The Town of Caraquet is an excellent choice for holding this major networking event for developing trade relations between our two provinces,” said Charles Milliard, CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec. “Its geographic location and expertise make it an ideal hub for driving exchange, connections and networking among francophone entrepreneurs in New Brunswick and Quebec. We encourage companies across Quebec to participate in this event, as it will be an outstanding opportunity to reach new markets and build strong and sustainable economic relationships.”

Since its creation in 2005, the Rendez-vous Acadie-Québec alternates between the two provinces and is jointly organized by the Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick and the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec in conjunction with the governments of both provinces.