Ottawa, Ontario 20 March 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the Journée internationale de la Francophonie:
“I am very pleased to join all Canadians, as well as the global Francophone community, in celebrating the Journée internationale de la Francophonie.
“Canada’s attachment to the French language is reflected not only in its dynamic Francophone communities across the country, but also through the ties we continue to build with French-speaking countries around the world.
“Our Government recognizes that Canada’s Francophonie is central to our identity and contributes to our cultural dynamism and prosperity. That is why we continue to help develop and strengthen the economy of our Francophone communities through the Roadmap for Canada’s Official Languages.
“Our Government is also proud to push ahead with its efforts within La Francophonie to highlight our linguistic duality and our attachment to the shared values of democracy, human rights, good governance, sustainable development, solidarity and economic growth.
“Recently, Canada announced its support for Senegal to help organize the upcoming Sommet de la Francophonie, to take place in Dakar in November 2014. The Dakar Summit will provide an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Secretary General Abdou Diouf after his 12 years at the helm of La Francophonie, and to adopt key documents for the organization’s future.
“In addition, Canada continues to support a number of active institutions within La Francophonie, including the TV5 international television network and the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie.
“Canada’s communities are proud to mark this Journée internationale de la Francophonie, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful day.”
