March 20, 2012
On the Journée internationale de la Francophonie, we join all Canadians and the entire Francophonie family in celebrating the French language and the rich and diverse Francophone culture.
Around the world, over 220 million people speak French, including more than 9.5 million in Canada. As a founding member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Canada worked with purpose and persistence to promote linguistic and cultural diversity. Like the OIF, Canada believes that democratic development, sustainable economic growth, gender equality, and primary education are critically important areas for international development.
Today, on the Journée internationale de la Francophonie, I invite all Canadians to share in the celebration of all things French, our language, our culture, our heritage, and also our place among the prominent community of states and governments that make up the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.
The Honourable Beverley J. Oda
Minister of International Cooperation
