French ambassador visits Sudbury to strengthen ties, celebrate culture

France's ambassador to Canada visited Greater Sudbury on Tuesday to celebrate the French culture and to strengthen ties.

France’s ambassador to Canada visited Sudbury on Tuesday to celebrate the French language and to sit down with Sudbury’s mayor to discuss strengthening ties between the two countries.

In honour of Michel Miraillet’s visit, France’s flag was raised at Tom Davies Square.

Mayor Paul Lefebvre met with Miraillet to discuss economic exchanges -- with the potential for more conversations.

“Very interested in beefing up our relationships … with Canada and the provinces,” Miraillet said.

“What is very important is just to identify the specifics of some cities and this one is the capital of mining and it’s an issue of deep interest.”

Lefebvre said the city’s mineral resources are putting Sudbury on the map across the globe.

“Some countries -- even though we have been doing this for hundreds of years -- are discovering the importance of Sudbury in the supply chain when it comes to battery electric vehicles, as well – (and) just as important -- the critical mineral file,” he said.

Investments, partnerships

“So (I’m) more than happy to have those discussions with (Miraillet) about the potential of Sudbury. The right investments, the right partnerships of how we can strengthen both of our economies and diversify around the world.”

At the flag raising and welcome for the ambassador, there were words to celebrate the French language and culture and how Canada is a big part of that.

“This is very meaningful,” said Nickel Belt MPP France Gelinas.

“That the ambassador from France takes the time to come to Sudbury is something that hasn’t happened in over 30 years. And it really shows that we need to tighten up our relationship with France.”

Miraillet said another point of discussion with the mayor is connecting universities in mining engineering and innovation.

He called Canada an ally and a friend.