Prime Minister Stephen Harper today met with Michaëlle Jean, Secretary General of La Francophonie. This is Ms. Jean’s first visit to Canada since her appointment as Secretary General during the 15th Summit of La Francophonie in Dakar, Senegal.
Prime Minister Harper and Ms. Jean explored further collaboration in promoting the French language around the world, and discussed progress made on commitments at the Dakar Summit, particularly on the implementation of the Economic Strategy for La Francophonie. Economic development is an essential focus of La Francophonie, and one of the main themes of Canada’s development assistance.
Because of its proud French heritage, Canada is an ardent member and promoter of La Francophonie. Canada is the second-largest donor to the organization and has played a leading role in the creation and development of its institutions.
During her visit to Canada, Ms. Jean will also visit the provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec, meet with the Premiers of both provinces, and address the 21st Conference of Montreal.
Quick Facts
La Francophonie is an international organization consisting of countries whose common language is French.
For the first time in its history, at the 15th Francophonie Summit in Dakar, Senegal, La Francophonie elected a Canadian and a woman as its head. Canada was proud to support Ms. Jean’s candidacy for Secretary General.
In Dakar, Prime Minister Harper announced Canadian support for initiatives aimed at equipping education and public service professionals with the tools and training they need to advance economic prosperity and social equality in Francophonie countries.
Quotes
For the first time in its history, at the 15th Francophonie Summit in Dakar, Senegal, La Francophonie elected a Canadian and a woman as its head. Canada was proud to support Ms. Jean’s candidacy for Secretary General.
In Dakar, Prime Minister Harper announced Canadian support for initiatives aimed at equipping education and public service professionals with the tools and training they need to advance economic prosperity and social equality in Francophonie countries.
Quotes
“It is a pleasure to welcome Secretary General Michaëlle Jean to Canada, the first woman and first Canadian to head La Francophonie. Ms. Jean is the ideal person to lead La Francophonie in the 21st century.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper
“Canada will continue to exercise its leadership within La Francophonie to promote the French language and to help address issues that are critical to fostering sustainable economic growth, stability and good governance in member countries.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper
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