On March 20, all French speaking countries around the world celebrate the Journée internationale de la Francophonie.
On behalf of the minister responsible for the francophonie, who will be with us in this House next week, I am pleased to mark this event.
Canada's involvement in the francophonie is a an essential element of its foreign policy.
The francophonie is a forum in which all Canadians, and especially our 8.5 million francophones, can affirm their sense of belonging and develop their culture. It is also a forum that highlights the solidarity between the 49 member states and governments.
At the francophonie summit in Benin last December, the Prime Minister outlined Canada's priorities within this forum for the next few years. First, consolidate francophone institutions. Second, define the francophonie's policy on conflict prevention.
In this context, I want to acknowledge two actions recently taken by Canada. At the Bordeaux conference, Mr. Pettigrew's proposal to create consultation committees on Burundi-a country ravaged by civil war-was approved in order to bring back peace.
Also, as a result of the work done by the Association des parlementaires de langue française in Haiti, my government made a commitment to maintain a peacekeeping force in that impoverished country. It was a difficult situation, but Canada has remained steadfast in its solidarity.
The Prime Minister, the Minister for International Co-operation and myself will have the honour of welcoming President Préval to Canada later this week.
Finally, as a third priority, Canada wants to put the francophonie on the electronic highway. Its access to and presence on the Internet are an essential part of keeping French alive and well in growth industries.
Canada is in the vanguard of new communication technologies. That is why we will host a conference on this subject very soon.
Finally, I would like to say a few words on the francophonie's huge impact within our borders.
Like their counterparts in many French speaking countries, French-Canadians speak the same language but with different accents.
I am thinking, of course, about Quebecers, who set the tone for our French culture. I am also thinking about the Acadian and other francophone communities across Canada who, by deciding every day to speak French, give the Canadian francophonie its full significance.
I am proud to say that the legislature in my province of Manitoba will soon inaugurate a monument in honour of Louis Riel, which recognizes the legacy of those men and women who were leaders of the Canadian francophonie. They are still inspiring us today.
I wish all French speaking nations and all francophiles in our country a great Journée internationale de la Francophonie.