Mr. Speaker, today, I want to acknowledge the “Year of the Fransaskois”.
According to Paul Heppelle, president of the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise, Franco-Saskatchewanians are known to be explorers, pioneers, builders and investors in their native province.
The Year of the Fransaskois recognizes the centennial of the ACF, but it is important to note that francophones have lived in Saskatchewan for much longer than a century. Franco-Saskatchewanians have played a fundamental role in developing the fabric of Saskatchewan.
They have made important contributions to education, economic growth, health and immigrant assistance. They have strong ties to the anglophone majority and to francophones across the country and around the world.
I am always pleased to meet Franco-Saskatchewanians from Saskatoon—Humboldt and other parts of my province.
I want to wish those who are celebrating it a happy Year of the Fransaskois.