March 16, 2026
Building Bridges Across the Francophonie: A Roundtable on Cultural Diplomacy at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite
Toronto (Ontario), March 16, 2026 — The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will host a roundtable discussion on March 17, 2026, as part of Francophonie Month, entitled “Bridges Across the Francophonie,” focusing on the central role of the French language in contemporary cultural diplomacy.
The event will take place in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Media representatives wishing to attend are asked to confirm their participation by 5:00 p.m. on March 16, 2026, by contacting Laetitia Walbert at laetitia.walbert@ontario.ca.
About the discussion
Hosted by renowned journalist and former CBC Morning Live presenter Heather Hiscox, this discussion will bring together leading Francophone figures from the diplomatic, media, cultural and academic spheres. Together, they will reflect on the ways in which the French language helps to build lasting and meaningful connections in Ontario, across Canada and around the world.
Guest panellists
- His Excellency Appolinaire Aya, Ambassador of the Republic of the Congo to Canada
- Xavier Brassard-Bédard, President and CEO of TFO
- Marie-Christine Morin, Executive Director of the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française
- Dr. Jonathan Paquette, International Francophonie Research Chair on Cultural Heritage Policies chairholder, University of Ottawa
Key topics of the round table
- The growing role of Francophone cultural diplomacy;
- The influence of the French language on community development;
- The contribution of institutional, cultural, and academic leaders to the growth of a strong and inclusive Francophonie.
Media Contact:
Laetitia Walbert
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Laetitia.walbert@ontario.ca
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