Minister responsible for the Francophonie (Canada)
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The Minister responsible for La Francophonie is a member of the Canadian Cabinet who handles relations with the Francophonie, an international community of francophone nations. Roughly speaking it is the French equivalent of the Commonwealth of Nations.
The Minister responsible for the Francophonie is one of three ministers currently associated with the Department of Foreign Affairs. A similar position exists at the provincial level in the government of Quebec.
It is traditional that the minister be from Quebec or from a Francophone community outside Quebec. In all cases, they usually speak French fluently.
Past ministers include:
- Jean-Luc Pépin (1983-1984)
- Jean Chrétien (1984)
- Monique Vézina (1984-1986)
- Monique Landry (1986-1993)
- Monique Vézina (1993) (second time)
- André Ouellet (1993-1996)
- Pierre Pettigrew (1996)
- Don Boudria (1996-1997)
- Diane Marleau (1997-1999)
- Ronald Duhamel* (1999-2002)
- Denis Paradis* (2002-2003)
- Denis Coderre (2003-2004)
- Jacques Saada (2004-2006)
- Josée Verner (2006-2007)
- Maxime Bernier (2007-2008)
- Josée Verner (2008-) (second time)
(*)Secretary of State responsible for La Francophonie and not a member of Cabinet.
