23 October 2010
Montreux, Switzerland
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Prime Minister Stephen Harper today delivered the following remarks at the 13th Francophonie Summit in Montreux, Switzerland:
“On the occasion of this thirteenth Sommet de la Francophonie, I would like to begin by thanking Switzerland, and the citizens of Montreux, for their warm welcome. Organizing this summit, which also marks the fortieth anniversary of La Francophonie, was no small challenge, especially since it all had to come together in only a few months. Madam President of the Swiss Confederation, you deserve a warm round of applause.
“Mr. Secretary General, Heads of Delegation, dear delegates, two years ago we Canadians welcomed our Francophonie friends to the cradle of the French language in North America, the beautiful city of Québec. Do you remember?
“The weather was cloudy. There were a few rain drops and a chill in the air. And we were all gathered in the Quebec City Convention Centre. We were in the first throes of a global economic crisis that was going to exact a terrible toll. The worst since the Second World War. No one came out unscathed, neither the developed world nor the developing world.
“I very much appreciated the frank discussions we had with our friends from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.
“Our talks gave us a better understanding of the global repercussions of this crisis and helped us find global solutions. At the time, who among us could have foreseen that fifteen months later, our friend Haiti would fall victim to such a cruel fate.
“Our Haitian friends were suffering. They cried out for help. And it was our duty to help them. Canada, like many other countries of La Francophonie, did everything in its power to save lives, organize relief efforts and deliver humanitarian aid.
“The needs were so great. We had to step in at once. And we answered the call. Citizens throughout La Francophonie, including a great many Canadians, answered the call as well by contributing to the efforts and making donations. For its part, the Government of Canada has earmarked over a billion dollars for the Haitian reconstruction effort.
“We must also underscore the important role that our own Organisation de la Francophonie is playing on the ground, in an effort to teach young Haitians to read and count. And we should all be gratified by the appointment of Canada’s former Governor General, Michaëlle Jean, to the post of UNESCO Special Envoy for Haiti.
“She will marshal tremendous support for the Haitian cause. For I must tell you, my friends, the needs are great. So very great. And it will take time to rebuild. But if we all get down to the task at hand, we will be able to help our Haitian friends regain hope. Help them rebuild their villages. Help them carve out a new life. And Madam Minister and Head of the Haitian Delegation, I think I speak for everyone in our Organization when I say to you, take heart. Your friends in La Francophonie will never abandon you.
“Dear friends, two years ago in Quebec City we discussed challenges involving the environment, energy, democracy and promotion of the French language. But the global economic crisis quickly found its way into our discussions. Many of our member countries were very worried.
“The recession was becoming planetary. And nowhere were its consequences not felt. In the North. In the South. And in the East and West. That is why in the run-up to the G-8 and G-20 Summits, I insisted, as president, on meeting with you, Mr. Secretary General, as well as with your counterpart from the Commonwealth, Mr. Sharma.
“I would like to thank you, Mr. Secretary General, for having agreed to meet me in Ottawa prior to those two important summits. Your analyses always hit the mark and are most appreciated. And in fact, during the Summits in Muskoka and Toronto, Canada put forward an ambitious plan to come to the aid of mothers and children in the world’s poorest countries.“
“We also renewed our commitment to Africa, a continent for which Canada has doubled its aid. Cancelled the debt of several of the world’s poorest countries. Boosted humanitarian aid. And so I put it to you, my friends, that the Organisation de la Francophonie shall always be able to count on Canada to promote the values we all hold dear, namely human rights, rule of law, justice, development and humanitarian aid for those most in need.
“Dear friends, a few minutes ago I mentioned our discussions in Quebec City. The fact that we discussed promotion of the French language. And since we are near the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee, I’d like to conclude my remarks by recalling the Vancouver Games. You know, Canada was founded in French. And we care about promoting our cultural diversity. So I am proud to tell you that the French language was afforded its rightful place not only during the Olympic Games, but also – and for the first time ever – during the Vancouver Paralympic Games.
“The Grand témoin de la Francophonie pour les Jeux de Vancouver, former Swiss President Pascal Couchepin, summed up our performance in these few words: ‘In Vancouver, French took home the gold medal!’
“Madam President of the Swiss Confederation, thank you once again for taking up our organization’s torch. The main themes you chose will guide our discussions. And I am convinced that our organization will emerge from this Summit more united than ever in tackling the challenges facing us.
“Thank you very much.”
