Journée internationale de la Francophonie

The CRRF joins with Prime Minister Stephen Harper in acknowledging the contribution of French and Acadian cultures in Canada as part of the international Francophonie.

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA TO MARK THE JOURNÉE INTERNATIONALE DE LA FRANCOPHONIE

Ottawa, Ontario – 20 march 2015

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the Journée internationale de la Francophonie:

“Today, I am pleased to join all Canadians and the entire Francophone community around the world in celebrating the French language and culture. “Canada was born in French. Not only is French an essential part of our Canadian identity and culture, it also allows us to weave ties with Francophone communities across the globe. Canada’s participation in and support for La Francophonie are important ways for us to convey our pride in our Francophone heritage and our commitment to preserving and promoting French in Canada and internationally.

“This past year, Canada again demonstrated significant international leadership on a series of initiatives aimed at tackling key issues, many of which affect countries of La Francophonie, most notably in the areas of maternal, newborn, and child health, child, early and forced marriage, sustainable economic growth, and the fight against Ebola.

“Additionally, for the first time in its history, La Francophonie appointed a Canadian, Michaëlle Jean, to the position of Secretary General. Madame Jean’s appointment, which was announced at the 15th Summit of La Francophonie in Dakar, Senegal, in November 2014, shows Canada’s positive influence within the Francophone world. We are confident that Madame Jean will advance La Francophonie in the 21st century and leverage its values and missions to build a safer and more prosperous world.

“The dynamism of the Francophone community will continue to be celebrated and promoted in the months ahead, with events such as the Second French Language World Forum in July 2015, in Liège, Belgium. The Forum will bring together young Francophones around the themes of innovation and creativity as the drivers of economic development for Francophone communities.

“Canada will continue its efforts within La Francophonie to showcase our linguistic duality and attachment to the shared values of democracy, human rights, good governance, sustainable development and economic growth.

“I would like to wish all Francophone communities both here and around the world a wonderful Journée internationale de la Francophonie.”