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PM takes part in Forum mondial de la langue française in Quebec City
“French is the founding language of our country and an integral part of our history, our identity and our daily lives,” said Prime Minister Harper. “I am very pleased that we can host this Forum and discuss ways of ensuring the place that French occupies and will continue to occupy in the future, both in Canada and around the world.”
During the 13th Sommet de la Francophonie held in Montreux, Switzerland in October 2010, the Heads of State and Government, including Prime Minister Harper, unanimously decided that a global forum on the French language would soon be held. Canada is the first country to host this major event, which is taking place from July 2 to 6, 2012, in Quebec City. One of Canada’s two official languages, French is spoken by over 9.5 million Canadians.
The Forum will be an opportunity for the hundreds of participants from every continent to exchange ideas and reflect on the issues pertaining to the place and future of the French language. The Forum will explore four main themes, namely: the economy, labour and training; cultural references; the new digital universe; and linguistic diversity.
The second Rencontre internationale de la Francophonie économique (RIFÉ 2) will coincide with the Forum, from July 2 to 4, and will serve as an economic complement to the Forum. Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and La Francophonie, will participate in the RIFÉ and deliver a speech at the closing ceremony on Wednesday, July 4.
