New Brunswick Premier Meets with Francophonie Games Committee

New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant met this week with the members of New Brunswick’s bid committee for the 2021 Games of La Francophonie. He also met with the provincial delegation that went to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, earlier this month to make the final presentation to win the bid.

On March 1, the Conseil d’orientation (advisory council) of the Comité international des Jeux de la Francophonie (international committee of the Francophonie Games) recommended that New Brunswick host the 2021 Games.

“In New Brunswick, one of our strengths is the dedication of communities,” said Gallant. “In my view, that is the main reason we were chosen. The bid committee worked for a year preparing a solid bid that showcased the ability of our province and the cities of Moncton and Dieppe to host this international event. Congratulations to the delegation, which was able to successfully present our bid in Abidjan.”

Bid committee spokesperson Éric Mathieu Doucet said he is happy for this sign of recognition.

“Premier Gallant has supported and encouraged this initiative from the beginning,” said Doucet. “He was a valuable support, and his involvement contributed greatly to the success of our bid. We are eager to move on to the next steps.”

The host of the 2021 Games will be announced officially at the next Francophonie Summit being held in Madagascar in November 2016.

The Games attract more than 3,000 athletes and artists aged 18 to 35 from about 60 Francophonie countries. The sporting and artistic event is open to all New Brunswickers, and there are no language requirements. Gallant says the estimated economic spinoffs for the province are $25 million.