Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on Francophonie Month: 

“Every year in March, millions of people across the globe come together to observe Francophonie Month. This occasion calls for Francophones and Francophiles everywhere to celebrate the richness of the French language and Francophone culture. 

“For Canadians, the French language is intimately rooted in our history. From the age of exploration, when Jacques Cartier first sailed down the St. Lawrence, to the foundations of Confederation and into the present day, French has always been a cornerstone of Canadian heritage, identity and culture. 

“As I travel across our vast country, it is always a pleasure to meet with Francophones and to celebrate the diversity across Canada’s French-speaking communities. From the French heartland in La Belle Province to the Acadian Maritimes, from St. Boniface to Hawkesbury, Canada’s Francophone communities are incredibly vibrant and live out their culture with pride.  

“Conservatives will continue to fight to ensure the language rights of Francophones in minority communities and to preserve and strengthen this core component of Canadian heritage.  

“Today, Canada belongs to an extended family of countries that share our pride in the French language and Francophone culture.  

“To the 7 million Francophones that call Canada home, and to Francophones worldwide – Happy Francophonie Month!”