My friends.

Today, Francophones all over the world are celebrating the International Day of La Francophonie. This is the ideal time to celebrate our magnificent French language, along with the culture and values that unite us. Throughout Canadian history, Francophones have contributed to making our country dynamic, inclusive and open to the world.

It is largely due to our two official languages that we’ve become a society in which people from diverse cultures, origins and religions have been able to feel at home. A society where all are free to express and celebrate their culture.

As a Quebecer and a Canadian, I am proud to be a member of this international Francophone community. The French language allows us to preserve important ties with Francophones all over the world. And this community is based on values dear to me: cooperation, diversity and solidarity. Together, we can, I hope, continue to enrich our common heritage in addition to maintaining close relationships.

On this International Day of La Francophonie, I wish for us all to preserve this precious bond that unites us: the French language.