Geoffroi Montpetit becomes administrator of International Organisation of La Francophonie

News release

February 22, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Nadine Girault, Quebec’s Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie and Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration, today congratulated Geoffroi Montpetit on becoming administrator of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) to support Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the IOF. The date of Mr. Montpetit’s entry into office will be decided shortly.

Mr. Montpetit's mandate will be to pursue major organizational modernization reforms and lead programming that better responds to the needs of francophone populations, particularly women and girls.

Mr. Montpetit will work closely with IOF members and governments, as well as other francophone institutions and civil society, to carry out the organization’s mission, particularly with respect to the protection of the French language around the world and the promotion of La Francophonie’s values, which include democracy, gender equality, and sustainable development.

Canada and Quebec will continue to actively support the implementation of La Francophonie’s economic strategy, digital transition, as well as its reforms on governance, transparency and management of the IOF aimed at modernizing the organization. 

Quotes

"With his public administration experience and proven track record in foreign policy and international development, Mr. Montpetit will be a valuable asset to the IOF and its members as the organization prepares for the Djerba Summit in 2021. Canada looks forward to continuing its leadership and sustained commitment within La Francophonie and in the context of multilateral cooperation.

- Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“We welcome the appointment of Geoffroi Montpetit to the position of administrator. The continuation of the reforms undertaken to modernize the IOF remains a priority for Quebec, and we are confident that the new administrator will be able to take up this mandate. We assure him of our full support and wish him every success in his new position.”

Nadine Girault, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie and Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration

Quick facts

  • As the IOF’s second-in-command, the administrator carries out, leads, and manages multilateral intergovernmental cooperation, as well as assuring, by the authority of the Secretary General, the organization’s administrative and financial business. The administrator also implements the programs and decisions adopted by heads of state and governments during La Francophonie summits.

  • Canada, Quebec, and New Brunswick are full members of the International Organisation of La Francophonie. They have maintained a strong and sustained commitment to La Francophonie since its creation. Canada and Quebec provide constructive leadership in the organization and actively contribute to the implementation of its programs.

Contacts

Syrine Khoury
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Syrine.Khoury@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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Flore Bouchon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie and Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration
Tel.: 418-649-2319
flore.bouchon@mri-mifi.gouv.qc.ca

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