Preamble

Hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Parties":

  • recognizing the vitality and potential of the French-speaking communities of Ontario and the French Community of Belgium
  • recognizing the common values of both governments, their strengths, and their commitment to the ongoing development of their respective Francophone communities
  • recognizing that the Francophonie represents a significant social, cultural, and economic asset and an important lever for development at the national and international levels
  • inspired by the spirit of innovation, cooperation, strengthening of ties and the potential social and economic benefits
  • given the joint declaration between the Province of Ontario, Canada, and the French Community of Belgium, signed on September 22, 2021, aimed at strengthening their cooperation

The Parties agree as follows:

Article 1: General objectives

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as the "MOU") is to:

  • encourage and promote cultural, educational, and economic exchanges based on their shared Francophonie
  • share information and best practices to this end
  • enhance collaboration in the areas of postsecondary education, culture, research, digital media, youth, and the promotion of the French language

Article 2: Areas of jurisdiction

In accordance with their respective constitutional norms and areas of jurisdiction, the Parties shall develop such means of cooperation as they deem appropriate to establish a close and mutually beneficial relationship to ensure the achievement of the objectives of this MOU.

Article 3: Areas of activity

The Parties commit to act in the following areas:

Higher education

The Parties endeavour to facilitate the visibility and promotion of postsecondary education institutions in Ontario and the French Community of Belgium with a view to fostering closer ties between institutions of postsecondary education and exchanges of students, professors, and others.

Economic and digital Francophonie

The Parties endeavour to work towards bringing together Francophone youth and Francophone organizations in the media, creative, digital, and innovative sectors of their jurisdiction.

Research

The Parties endeavour to promote closer ties between organizations and research support programs in their jurisdiction, with a view to foster joint research projects and exchanges of researchers, particularly at the doctoral and post-doctoral levels.

Culture

The Parties endeavour to work towards bringing together artists, particularly emerging artists, cultural organizations, producers, and broadcasters in their jurisdiction, particularly in the music, film, theater, digital arts, and design sectors.

Youth

The Parties endeavour to promote relations and exchanges between youth and youth support organizations in their jurisdiction.

Article 4: Representatives

The Parties entrust the implementation of this MOU to the following persons as the points of contact, hereinafter referred to as the "Representatives”:

For the Province of Ontario
Assistant Deputy Minister
Attention: Jean-Claude Camus
Francophone Affairs Division
Ontario Ministry of Francophone Affairs
700 Bay Street, 25th Floor, Suite 2501
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 0A2

For the French Community of Belgium:
General Delegate of Wallonia-Brussels in Quebec for the General Administrator of Wallonia-Brussels International in Canada
Attention: Sharon Weinblum
Wallonia-Brussels General Delegation in Québec
43 De Buade Street, Suite 520
Quebec City, Quebec
G1R 4A2

Article 5: Application

To implement this agreement, the Representatives endeavour to meet annually to:

  • study and approve, for the areas of activity identified in Article 3, an annual action plan aimed at supporting the objectives of the MOU identified in Article 1
  • examine, through a joint evaluation starting in the second year of the term of the MOU, the implementation status of the annual action plan
  • study, if necessary, any question relating to the application and interpretation of this MOU and
  • report on the outcomes of these discussions.

Article 6: Amendments

This MOU may be amended at any time by mutual agreement of the Parties by an exchange of signed letters signed by the Parties specifying the effective date of the amendments.

Article 7: Final provisions

This MOU is not legally binding and does not create any legal, equitable, or financial rights, obligations, or liabilities for the Parties.

Each Party will bear its own costs in performing its activities under this MOU.

The term of this MOU shall commence on the date as specified in Article 8 and shall continue for a period of four (4) years unless it is terminated or not renewed as provided for herein. It shall be automatically extended for further two-year terms unless either Party gives written notice to the other at least sixty (60) days before the expiration of the initial term or any renewal term, as applicable, of the Party’s intent not to renew.

This MOU may be terminated at any time by written notice of at least six (6) months prior to the expiration of the MOU, given by either Party to the other. In such a case, the Parties shall take the necessary steps to ensure the completion of all actions jointly undertaken under the current annual action plan.

The Parties also understand and agree that nothing in this MOU shall obligate either Party to supply information that would be contrary to applicable law.

The Parties acknowledge that Ontario is subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.31, as may be amended from time to time.

The Parties further acknowledge that Ontario is subject to the laws of Ontario and Canada and nothing in this MOU is intended to change that.

Signatures

Hon. Caroline Mulroney
Minister of Francophone Affairs of the Province of Ontario

Hon. Pierre-Yves Jeholet
Minister-President of the French Community of Belgium

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