Liberal statement on International Day of La Francophonie

March 20, 2014

MONTRÉAL – Liberal Critic for Foreign Affairs and La Francophonie, Marc Garneau, issued the following statement today on the International Day of La Francophonie:

“Today we celebrate the rich diversity of the French language at home in Canada and around the world. Throughout our history and to this day, Francophone Canadians shape our diverse nation and have been at the very centre of Canada’s successes.

“Millions of French-speaking Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast are united by the strength and vibrancy of the French language, which has been enshrined in our political and cultural institutions through official bilingualism.

“Francophone Canadians maintain strong cultural ties with Francophones globally, contributing greatly to Canada’s efforts on the international stage and in the global economy. We can all take pride in Canada’s strong tradition of protecting the French language, and we must continue to promote it at home and abroad.

“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I hope all members of the Francophone community around the world have a wonderful International Day of La Francophonie. Let us continue to celebrate the richness of the French language in Canada for generations to come.”