On March 24, 2005, the Massachusetts Senate extended its heartiest congratulations to Senator Pierrette Ringuette on the occasion of the International Day of La Francophonie. Senator Ringuette, the first Acadian woman elected to the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick and the first Acadian woman elected to the Canadian House of Commons brought official greetings on behalf of Canada to the Massachusetts Senate.
On the same day, Senator Ringuette addressed the Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston, Maine. Senator Ringuette congratulated the residents of Lewiston Maine on their efforts they have made to preserve their language and heritage.
“In Canada, we enjoy linguistic protection under the Constitution that protects minorities, including minority groups. We have come to realize that being a member of La Francophonie and having French and English as official languages can only lead to greater political and economical cooperation with other countries. I strongly encourage jurisdictions like Maine and Massachusetts to consider these benefits”.
Canada’s main goal as a member of La Francophonie is to promote its democratic, cultural and economic values, highlight the country’s linguistic duality and support and promote Canada’s French-language community.