Mr. Speaker, today is the Journée internationale de la Francophonie. This day is celebrated each year with many activities and festivities that highlight the diversity of francophone communities across the country.
Today is also the second day of the Semaine nationale de la Francophonie organized by the Association canadienne d'éducation de langue française or ACELF. This is a great opportunity to recognize the important contribution made by francophones to Canada's linguistic, cultural and economic vitality.
As a member of Parliament of Franco-Ontarian origin, I am in a good position to note the full extent of francophones' contribution to society in Ontario and Canada. Ottawa-Vanier boasts many organizations that mirror the strong francophone presence outside la Belle Province. I am thinking in particular of the Ottawa campus of La Cité collégiale, the University of Ottawa, the many primary and secondary schools for francophones and immersion students, the Centre francophone de Vanier, the Richelieu service clubs, the Patro in Lowertown, Montfort Hospital, the regional ACFO, the Caisses populaires, and so on.
I urge all French-Canadians to be proud of their mother tongue and to contribute to its development.