STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA ON THE FÊTE NATIONALE DU QUÉBEC AND SAINT-JEAN-BAPTISTE DAY

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the Fête nationale du Québec and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day:“Today I extend my best wishes to all Québecois as they gather with family and friends to celebrate the Fête nationale du Québec, and to Francophones and all those across the country who join them in marking Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day.

“These anniversaries remind all Canadians of the precious gift that the French language and culture have been and continue to be to our country and national identity. “Since 2006, our Government has taken significant measures to promote the French language and Francophone culture in Canada. We have recognized that the Québecois form a nation within a united Canada and have also promoted bilingualism in every region of the country through countless programs and initiatives. I am proud of the fact that today nearly 10 million Canadians across the country now speak French.

Our Government has also taken important steps on the international stage. We were pleased to support, along with Quebec and New Brunswick, the successful election of the first Canadian to head the International Organization of La Francophonie, of which we are a founding member. Canada remains the second-largest donor to the Organization. We are also proud to have co-hosted the Francophonie Summit in 2008. These initiatives have increased Canada’s role on the international Francophone landscape.

As we approach the 150^th anniversary of Confederation, I would like all Canadians to reflect on the vital contributions of Francophones across our country to the economic and social fabric of our nation.“Once again, Laureen and I and our family offer our best wishes to all those celebrating the Fête nationale du Québec and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day.”