The Consul General of France in Vancouver, Philippe Sutter, has shared the following message on Bastille Day (July 14):

Dear friends and partners,

This year’s celebration of Bastille Day, the French national day, is very special for obvious reasons.

That’s why first and foremost, I wish to express our deepest gratitude for the way all the competent authorities, caregivers and front liners have managed the crisis. It’s not over but thanks to the right policy decisions our communities have been protected and stayed safe.

The motto of the French Republic is "Liberté, égalité, fraternité".

The nonprofit organization “West End Seniors’ Network”, chaired by one of my fellow citizen in Vancouver, has shown fraternity, this brotherhood, to the seniors in need for many years. To show our appreciation, in association with French companies, we have distributed gift bags to the organization dedicated staff.

Bastille Day 2020 is also for me an important opportunity to thank all our partners in many sectors, including our European partners for tremendous collaborations.

Due to the current crisis, we have changed our methods of work but not our common goals : promoting our shared values, solidarity and actions for a successful restart and recovery.

Trade and investments are absolutely necessary and will continue to benefit from the free trade agreement between the European Union and Canada.

In 2019, France was the number one most attractive country for foreign investments in Europe. These strong and solid grounds of our economy will allow us all to rebound with confidence from COVID-19.

Since July 2, you can travel to France, you can get visas if required. You are most welcomed, for pleasure, sport, culture and hiking, and also to work, to study and to invest. 

We want also to share more with you especially in the field of innovation, to move forward in this common recovery : more links between science, research, companies, startups, thanks to the new digital platform In2novation, more cooperation biodiversity and clean tech, and of course in cultural and creatives industries like VR.

Be kind, be calm and be safe and let’s see each other very soon.

All the best and take care, long live France, long live Canada, and long live our friendship.