Going Coucou
What can you tell us about Coucou Quebecois? There was a demand for a get together among Quebec people and I thought, I’m French-Canadian, and the nature of my job at the Canada China Business Council is to organize social events. So this is a CCBC event? Yes, supported by the Bureau du Quebec and the Canadian Consulate. Is there a strong French-Canadian presence in Shanghai? It's a niche group, really small. But French-Canadians also include people from other Canadian provinces. That’s why we call the event Coucou Quebecois. Coucou what? It means hello, but in the funny, kid way. Like peek-a-boo. Why call it that? Every time I say that, people always laugh. It’s not too serious. We want people to go, meet people, laugh and have fun. Sounds like a great social event. It’s not only a social event but a cultural event as well. It can be through food, art, movies. Movies? Isn’t it difficult to find French-Canadian films in Shanghai? Actually it's easy, it's all through word-of-mouth. So your events come from the community itself? Yes. What other sorts of events do you foresee holding? Poutine night? That could be fun. It’s also about French language so perhaps some events in coordination with the Alliance Française. There’s also the French Chamber and the Cercle Francophonie but they’re very European and don’t really connect [with us] as much on a cultural level. Guess we’d better brush up on our French. Well actually everyone is welcome, but yes, expect to practice your French!

What: Coucou Québécois (through CCBC)
Email: kimtien@ccbc.com.cn
Website: http://www.canuckconnection.com.cn