Statement by the resigning members of the Board of Directors of the national organizing committee of the Games of La Francophonie

MONCTON, NB, Dec. 12, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - During the last few days media reports and public reaction around the proposed business plan for the 2021 games have created what we believe to be undue controversy around the planning and delivery of the upcoming Jeux de la Francophonie games in 2021. 

This shadow of a doubt is taking away from the real story – the amazing benefits and opportunities these games will bring to our region and our province, both French and English, -  not only in 2021 but for generations to come.

New Brunswick was offered an undeniable opportunity to host a similar event such as the Olympic Winter Games, in terms of the number of participants and the Commonwealth Games, in terms of the number of countries represented. This opportunity could put our province on the world stage and could bring about a tremendous growth in economic and cultural growth. Previously held Games of La Francophonie have resulted in significant economic benefits, increased immigration and legacies in terms of infrastructure, culture and in the ability to organize major events.

This weeks events have taken away from these objective and lead us to believe that we no longer have the confidence of the Government of New Brunswick to continue our mandate.

As volunteer board members appointed by the Government of New Brunswick, we are today announcing our resignation from the Board of Directors of the national organizing committee of the Games of La Francophonie – effective immediately. We have submitted our resignation to the Minister of Culture. Our resignation follows the resignation of the fifth provincial appointee earlier in the day for professional reasons.

We believe we have done the work that was asked of us which was to develop a business plan focused on organizing games of the same calibre as the previous Games of La Francophonie and large international events as well as one that will ensure legacies for our community.

The team responsible for organizing the games is comprised of qualified and passionate individuals who have, at heart, the well-being of all New Brunswickers. They need to be supported.

All the people involved in this project, whether volunteers or employees, are proud Acadians, proud New Brunswickers and proud Canadians. These are people who firmly believe that NB can carve out a place on the international scene, particularly through the platform offered by the international Francophonie.

We hope that these resignations will allow the partners to return to the negotiating table in a healthier media and political climate.  We remain very excited about New Brunwick's opportunity to host the world.  We want these games to succeed and we hope that our departure will allow the organization to get back necessary planning required to ensuring all opportunities are realized and that our Province is an even better place following the completion of a successful games.

Resigning members will not provide interviews.

Sincerely

Eric Mathieu Doucet
Mirelle Cyr
Éric Cormier
Kim Rayworth

SOURCE Games de la Francophonie 2021

Jeux de la Francophonie, [email protected]