Notes for Remarks by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien on the Occasion of the Launch of Canada-France 1604-2004

December 9, 2003
Paris, France

We have come together at the Cité des Sciences to launch Canada-France 1604-2004, an innovative partnership between our two countries and governments.

France and Canada have been partners for four centuries. In 1604, our partnership consisted in preserving cod fished off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland using salt from the Saintonge and turning beaver pelts into hats, activities that were vital for both Canada and France.

Canada attached itself to Europe, becoming an offshoot of that continent. For centuries, France enriched part of its population through Canada’s land of plenty.

French explorers brilliantly accomplished the mission entrusted to them by King Henry. Could he ever have imagined that so many benefits and so much goodwill would come from such a perilous adventure in a faraway land?

Canada-France 2004 has a variety of projects that will highlight our common history and provide many opportunities for cooperation between Canada and France.

Yet Canada-France 2004 has a much broader aim than simply looking back at the past. Indeed, one of its primary goals is to explore how our two countries and societies, which are so closely linked by language, culture and blood — which know and respect each other — can work together to open new paths to the future.

The That’s Canada! exhibition, which will be opening in a few days here at the Cité des Sciences, is an example of this joint exploration.

This exhibit is an invitation to take a virtual trip to Canada and to look at the changes that have taken place in our societies as a result of knowledge and globalization. It is also an invitation to consider how our societies can redefine themselves and rise to even greater heights.

In this era of globalization, the strength and influence of a nation are no longer determined by the number of cannons or missiles in its possession. They are measured by the civility and tolerance the nation demonstrates toward its international partners and its openness to dialogue with them.

Canadians see themselves as part of a world that is constantly changing and recognize that a society guided by values of tolerance, sharing and compassion must evolve over time. A successful society with a high standard of living is a society that is ready to change, though never at the cost of its values or collective vision.

My passion for my country is no secret. I am proud to be Canadian because I see the willingness among my fellow citizens to listen to what others have to say. Every day, the success of our multicultural and bilingual society strengthens my conviction that the most productive partnerships are those that draw our differences together and transcend them, for the common good.

This same philosophy applies to Canada-France 2004. Though this Program is but one step in Canada and France’s creative partnership, it symbolizes an outstretched hand, an invitation for dialogue and sharing. This is not insignificant: it is actually a very important step along the path we share.

Thank you.

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