GATINEAU, September 7, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec as well as Minister responsible for the Francophonie Jacques Saada, today congratulated Suzanne Laverdière on her appointment as Assistant Director General for TV5 Monde programs. Ms. Laverdière is the first Canadian to hold a key senior management position in this international network.
“I am delighted to see that Canadian television expertise is recognized worldwide and that Jean-Jacques Aillagon, President and CEO of TV5 Monde, made this choice. Having Ms. Laverdière at TV5 will strengthen the network’s multilateral nature and will make its programming even more original and diverse,” said Minister Frulla.
Ms. Laverdière has worked for more than 20 years in the communications sector. She has been General Manager, Corporate Affairs and Strategic Planning, at Radio-Canada since June 2003 and sits on the TV5 Monde Board of Directors.
With her extensive experience in cinematography, television production and programming, Ms. Laverdière will be a valuable asset to the TV5 Monde team. Her expertise will enable TV5 Monde to reflect even more the realities of the regions it serves, and to showcase Francophone television production in all its diversity.
“I am delighted with Ms. Laverdière’s appointment and convey my congratulations to her, as well as my best wishes for success in her new duties. TV5 is the foremost promoter of cultural diversity and vitality of the Francophone community in the world,” said Minister Saada.
TV5, an international television network that has been broadcasting in French since 1984, showcases the wealth of Francophone culture around the world. Today, TV5 programs are broadcast in 203 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and North America, and reach more than 164 million homes. The Government of Canada contributes $6.8 million to TV5 annually.
Information: Jean-François Del Torchio
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women
(819) 997-7788
Daniel Dezainde
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister responsible for the Francophonie
(514) 496-1282Jean-Guy Beaupré
Chief, Media Relations Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
