20 March 2026 16:02 UTC · Prime Minister of Canada · PMO News Release · Source · Email X Link

Prime Minister of Canada reiterates commitment to French language

Key points

French central to Canadian identity and bilingualism
Government funding and initiatives support French education and media

TL;DR

Affirms French as integral to Canadian identity and official bilingualism under the Official Languages Act
Says government collaborates with provinces and territories to expand French-language education and promote bilingualism
Notes Budget 2025 invested $150 million to support CBC/Radio-Canada's French-language programming
Reports Canada is a founding member and second-largest donor to the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and has bid to host the Sommet de la Francophonie in 2028

Original text

“The French language is at the heart of the Canadian identity. We are a proudly bilingual country that respects and celebrates its official languages. On this International Day of La Francophonie, we recognise the role of the French language in enriching Canadian society, inspiring our culture, and connecting millions across every province and territory. Our government remains committed to upholding the equality of French and English provided in the Official Languages Act . We work in collaboration with provinces and territories to fund French-language education – expanding access to learning opportunities for children and youth while promoting bilingualism across the country. Original French-language content is crucial to ensuring Canadian Francophone stories are told, shared, and preserved – strengthening Francophone identity across the country. Through Budget 2025, we invested $150 million to protect our national public broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada. This funding ensures CBC/Radio-Canada can continue to produce high-quality French-language programming – showcasing the richness of French culture nationwide. French is also essential to Canada’s global leadership. Canada is a founding member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and is its second-largest donor. Last December, our government announced Canada’s bid to host the Sommet de la Francophonie in 2028. This would provide the opportunity to increase trade and investment between Francophonie countries and showcase Canada’s proud and distinct Francophone communities. I join all Francophones and Francophiles in Canada in celebrating the French language, and reaffirm our commitment to preserving it as part of our identity.”

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