Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the Journée de la Francophonie

March 20, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today to mark the Journée internationale de la Francophonie:

"I am delighted to celebrate the Journée internationale de la Francophonie with all Canadians, and with our friends throughout La Francophonie.

"In Canada, the French language represents far more than a means of communication. Spoken by more than 9.5 million Canadians, French is an integral part of our history, our identity and our daily lives. It links us, not only to our fellow Canadians, but to French-speaking countries around the world.

"Our Government is proud of our country's bilingualism and cultural diversity, and is working hard to promote French both at home and abroad. In Canada, our Government has strengthened our Francophone identity by implementing the Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality.

"Overseas, we support a number of agencies, such as the International Organization of La Francophonie, the TV5 worldwide television network and the University Agency of La Francophonie. We also support the great family of La Francophonie in helping to rebuild Haiti.

"Today, as Canada celebrates our attachment to the French language, I would like to extend my best wishes for a happy Journée internationale de la Francophonie."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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