Mr. Speaker, on March 20, 1970, officials from 21 countries, including Canada, signed in Niamey, Niger, the treaty establishing the first intergovernmental organization for the Francophonie. Special ceremonies will take place this year in Niamey to mark the 30th anniversary of this event. Since 1988, March 20 has been the Journée internationale de la Francophonie.
Canada will mark the anniversary this afternoon at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. The Prix de la Francophonie and decorations for the Ordre de la Pléiade will be awarded on that occasion.
Being part of the Francophonie gives Canadians more opportunities to thrive at the international level in the areas of language, culture, politics, economy, new technologies, co-operation and trade.
I wish everyone a very good Journée internationale de la Francophonie.