Statement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the occasion of the Journée internationale de la Francophonie

Statement

20 March 2009

Ottawa, Ontario

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

“I am pleased to take this opportunity to celebrate Canada’s membership in La Francophonie family, which brings together 56 states and governments and 14 observers from around the world, united by French as a common language.

“Membership in La Francophonie highlights our country's linguistic duality and supports and promotes Canada's French community. This duality is emphasized by the Roadmap for Canada’s Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future, announced on June 19 of last year.

“The Roadmap is an unprecedented government-wide commitment of $1.1 billion over five years to consolidate, adapt and modernize a variety of existing initiatives aimed at promoting linguistic duality and the vitality of official language minority communities in Canada.

“Our celebration this year is particularly important as we mark the 40th anniversary of the Official Languages Act. Internationally, Canada endeavours to further the development of democratic institutions, human rights, the rule of law, and peace and human security.

“I look forward to discussing these important topics with the Secretary General of La Francophonie, H.E. Abdou Diouf, during his visit to Canada, March 23 to 25.

“As a founding member of La Francophonie, Canada continues to play a leading role in this organization. Our country hosted the 12th Francophonie Summit, held in Quebec City from October 17 to 19, 2008, where we committed $25 million over the next five years to TV5Monde, a beacon of La Francophonie. Canada also committed $100 million to assist developing countries in fighting climate change.

“I wish everyone an excellent Journée internationale de la Francophonie.”

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Statement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the occasion of the Journée internationale de la Francophonie

Statement

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