Ottawa, Ontario – Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following statement today to mark La Journée internationale de la Francophonie:
“I am pleased today to be celebrating La Journée internationale de la Francophonie with Canadians and with our friends throughout this global community.
“Canada’s participation in the Francophonie is an expression of its attachment to the French language – spoken by over 9.5 million Canadians – and to the history, culture and values that we share and that are at the heart of our identity.
“Recognizing the vital role that the Francophonie plays in maintaining and promoting French around the world, our Government is proud to be a significant contributor. Additionally, in July 2012 our country hosted the inaugural French Language World Forum in Quebec City, as well as the Rencontre internationale de la Francophonie économique [international meeting of La Francophonie on the economy], held on the sidelines of this forum.
“The Government of Canada recognizes that the dynamism and entrepreneurship of the communities in the Francophone world contribute directly to prosperity and economic growth, and we pledge to continue to help develop and strengthen the economies of the Francophonie.
“On this happy occasion, I wish you all an excellent Journée internationale de la Francophonie.”
