Michelle A. Rakotonaivo President Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique Dear Francophones and Francophiles, The Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB), the organization that speaks for this province’s Francophones, is pleased to be a partner in the fifth annual Maple Sugar Festival hosted by the _ Association des francophones de Nanaimo. From February 23 through 27, the Association des francophones de Nanaimo will be presenting five days of festivities for Nanaimo resi- dents, British Columbians and visitors alike. Through a wide variety of activities, the Nanaimo Maple Sugar Festival highlights Francophone culture and is a focus of pride for all British Columbia Francophones and for the FFCB as official represen of that community. Our community continues to develop, flourish and grow, thanks to ini- tiatives such as this one and to the dedicated work of people who vet for Francophone associations. I would also like to extend my thanks to the Association des fran- cophones de Nanaimo, which is specifically highlighting the FFCB’s 60th anniversary by inviting the organization to present our exhibit on the history of Francophones in B.C. at the Nanaimo District Museum from February 1 to March 5. Come see the exhibit, indulge your sweet tooth, and discover the culture and joie de vivre of this province’s Francophones. Have a great Maple Sugar Festival! Pi pecrs Michelle A. Rakotonaivo President Purchase your 2005 Maple Sugar Festival Pin an take advantage of multiple savings throughout the weekend! Sugar Festival comes to Nanaimo. This special edi- tion collector’s pin is now available for only $6 at L’Association des francophones de Nanaimo (L’AFN) located at #30-1925 Bowen Road, Painted - Turtle Guesthouse (121 Bastion Street) Lobelias’s” Lair (48-321 Wesley Street) and at the Vancouver Island Thrift Store, (250 Prideaux Street). The pin is also available on site at Beban Park Festival Village, 2300 Bowen Road during the week of the event. A $1 donation for every pin sold will go° to th Vancouver Island Thrift Store. For more information contact L’AFN at (250) 129-2776 - or visit www.francophonenanaimo.org. LA SS Get Your Pin and Gave Ly Prodarey- yous votre bouton ef eonowsise; 4 Maple Sugar Festival - February 25 to 27, 2005 Se telepment amongst many other principal guests. _ proud to once again announce Citadelle-Camp as the official Presenting Save on maple syrup products and — select menu items when the 5th annual Maple — Lise Leblanc-Quinn President L’ Association des francophones de Nanaimo (L’AFN) _ Dear Friends of the Festival, _ On behalf of the board of directors, staff and members of L’ Association _des francophones de Nanaimo (L’AFN), I welcome you to our fifth annual Festival du Sucre d’Erable / Maple Sugar Festival. We sincerely __ hope you have a wonderful time with us. Once again, this year’s Festival du Sucre d’Erable / Maple Sugar _ Festival promises to be memorable in many ways. Our first time part- ___ hership with the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce will present a business networking dinner and dance gala on Friday night. Celebrating Business In Tune With Arts & Culture will welcome a VIP delegation from Quebec’s Maple Region in addition to honorary guests from the _ province of British Columbia. We will be thrilled to welcome Mr. John Les, British Columbia Minister Of Small Businesses and Economic L’AEN is also Sponsor, the largest cooperative of maple syrup producers in the world. _ | would like to thank our festival organizers and volunteers, who work _ conscientiously every year towards the presentation of a cultural event _of the highest caliber. It is equally important to acknowledge our gov- ernment, community and media partners in addition to the countless _ sponsors whose support makes our event possible. We sincerely look forward to your continued support, which is vital in maintaining the _ future of our Festival. _| wish the Festival du Sucre d’Erable / Maple Sugar Festival prosperity _and longevity as it continues to bring together the community of _ Nanaimo. Come tap into French Canadian culture from February 25 to 7 and celebrate our traditions and way of life. SREB La francophonie, une richesse 2 partager! Québec aa Secrétariat aux affaires intergouvernementaies canadiennes Benoit Pelletier Minister for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs and Native Affairs Québec he Government of Québec is proud to be associated with the Sth nnual Nanaimo Maple Sugar Festival by supporting collaboration tween the Association des francophones de Nanaimo and the Municipalité régionale de comté de I’ Erable. This partnership makes it possible for these dynamic organizations to promote maple syrup pro- duction and maple products in French. The Maple Sugar Festival is an opportunity to, among other things, high- ight the rich exchange between Québec and British Columbia’s French- speaking community, notably in culture, education and the economy. armly salute all festival participants. I wish the organizers of this __ event every success and people of all ages many enjoyable discoveries. May vitality, solidarity and enhanced exchange help the French fact in Canada thrive. Long live the Nanaimo Maple Sugar Festival! _ BENOIT PELLETIER _ Minister for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs and Native Affairs