(OTTAWA) - On International Francophonie Day, the Green Party of Canada is highlighting the importance of the French language in Canada and around the world. Great protectors and promoters of the French in North America - in Quebec, where living in French is a right, in New Brunswick and across Canadian government, work together to keep the language and culture weaved in our institutions, workplaces and our homes.
Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands), said: “French is part of the Canadian fabric. Our country must do everything possible to protect the language and culture, both where French is the primary language, and also in English-speaking provinces. Our communities where French is a first language are finding it increasingly difficult to survive and the government has a responsibility to come to their aid.”
Jean Rousseau, GPC French Vice-President said: “The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie is not a simple linguistic community. This organization is also a great opportunity for French-speaking peoples to create economic, cultural and artistic links between them. The potential for trade is not yet maximized and I think it is one of the future challenges for Canada in the coming years.”
Daniel Green, GPC Deputy Leader, emphasized that: “The Francophone community continues to expand. In November 2016, the Organization welcomed Madagascar, and new observer governments include the Ontario provincial government, which allows Franco-Ontarians to be represented.”
Elizabeth May concluded: “I also want to congratulate the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie for its many actions to promote French, including in areas such as Gender Equality and sustainable development.”
Celebrated on 20 March each year, the International Francophonie Day is an initiative of the International Organization of la Francophonie.
-30-