Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on Dany Laferrière’s election to the Académie française

December 13, 2013

SUDBURY, ON– The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement following the election of Dany Laferrière to the Académie française:

“I would like to congratulate Dany Laferrière for his election to the Académie française. An acclaimed author, whose works have been translated into over fifteen languages, Mr. Laferrière is the first Canadian, and the first Haitian, to join the ranks of the Académie. In Quebec and throughout Canada, we are all extremely proud of this honour bestowed on him, as are the numerous admirers of his work.

“No doubt that as one of the ‘immortals’, he will continue to contribute actively to the brilliance of the French language and Canadian authors on a global scale. Mr. Laferrière will be more than a champion for the language of Molière; his creative spirit will serve to support the beauty and modernity of the French language.

“On behalf the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, allow me to extend my sincere congratulations to Dany for this exceptional recognition by the most prestigious and revered institution of La Francophonie.”