Five months have passed since the end of the 2023 Francophonie Games in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (July 28 to August 6), but Quebec's absence from the sporting and cultural event continues to be talked about in the Canadian province . Duty was aware of a Canadian mission report in which it is mentioned that the Games of La Francophonie in the DRC were not marked by any security problem, despite the fears of the Quebec authorities. “ No health or safety incidents were reported by Canadian participants, note the document. The Congolese authorities were able to keep their promises and organize the Games in a safe environment. » The mission report from Canada, which had chosen to send a reduced delegation to Kinshasa, highlights the benefits of the trip to the DRC, particularly on a diplomatic level. He also criticizes the absence of Quebec, justified at the moment by health and security concerns. “ Several athletes and artists from the Canadian delegation told us that the media releases before the Games as well as the withdrawal of Quebec had a negative impact on their preparation for the various competitions. », Points out the Canadian report. Requested by Duty, the office of the Quebec Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Martine Biron, does not regret its decision to have reached an impasse on the 2023 Francophonie Games. Quebec carried out two technical missions in January and May 2023, he explains in a written statement. The reports from these missions showed us that the conditions to ensure the safety of athletes and artists were not met. It was a thoughtful and responsible decision to make in light of the information we had at that time. »
