Standing Committee on Official Languages

Comité permanent des langues officielles

For immediate release

Ottawa, March 22, 2016 -

At its meeting the day after the Journée internationale de la Francophonie, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Official Languages acknowledged importance of this day, which celebrates the French language and cultural diversity on five continents.With approximately 274 million French speakers worldwide, La Francophonie is a vibrant linguistic space with a rich culture and history. The Committee members are proud that Canada is part of La Francophonie and that French is one of our country’s official languages.During its meeting, the Committee also acknowledged Canada’s active role in the international francophone community as a member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), and through the Interparliamentary activities of the Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF).Lastly, the Committee noted the importance of francophone immigration to francophone minority communities in protecting the French language and culture and vitality of these communities. The Committee therefore encourages foreigners wishing to immigrate to Canada to consider immigrating and integrating into these communities.