Visit of Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin in Ottawa

As President of the French committee organizing the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City, the former Prime Minister and Senator, Jean-Pierre Raffarin, headed to Canada to present to the country’s authorities the contribution that France will bring to the celebrations regarding this important event.

Within the framework of his visit, Mr Raffarin met with, amongst others, the Governor General, Mrs Michaëlle Jean, the Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, as well as the Prime Minister of Quebec, Jean Charest.

Quebec City was the first permanent French colony in North America, and the only capital of Nouvelle-France. It was founded in 1608, by the Frenchman Samuel de Champlain, originally from the region of Poitou-Charentes.

Several events will mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of not only Quebec City but also, as the Canadian Prime Minister noted, that of all of Canada.

A presentation of the French contribution was made by Mr Raffarin during the course of an interview that he gave on Friday, December 14th to Radio-Canada.

 To listen to the interview with Carl Bernier "Bernier & co." (in French), click here
 To listen to the interview on RDI, click here