March 20, 2014
Bonne Journée internationale de la Francophonie!
Today French speakers in 77 countries celebrate International Francophone Day (Journée internationale de la Francophonie). The date marks the signing of the Niamey Convention in Niger on the 20th of March 1970 and the establishment of the Agence de Cooperation Culturelle et Technique, of which Canada was a founding member. Now known as L‘Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, the group of 77 member nations gathers each year in a celebration of French language and culture.
Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, Steven Blaney will mark this day by attending the Forum mondial des femmes francophones in Paris, France. At this world forum, francophone women of diverse backgrounds, including Canadians, meet to speak on issues such as equality, visibility, solidarity, and many values important to the global francophone community. The Minister said the following in a Ministerial news release today:
“The International Day of La Francophonie gives us the opportunity to celebrate our commitment to not only the French language and the rich and diverse francophone culture but also the values of peace, democracy and respect for human rights that unite all members of the International Organization of La Francophonie. As a founding member of the organization, Canada has repeatedly demonstrated steadfast support for it.”
– The Hon. Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie
For a list of activities taking place across Canada to celebrate this day click here.
Toute le monde ici chez Bellissimo Law Group, nous vous souhaitons une joyeuse journée internationale de la Francophonie!