Launch of the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie

Speech by
Lucienne Robillard
President of the Treasury Board, Minister responsible for Infrastructure and
Member of Parliament for Westmount-Ville-Marie

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Distinguished guests.
Dear friends.

1. Canada's linguistic duality

As President of the Treasury Board, as a member of a government that has committed to supporting our unique linguistic and cultural heritage, but above all, as a Francophone, I am very proud, today, to launch the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie 2000.

I would like to thank all the organizers of this year's event. For three years, these meetings have permitted us to celebrate, together, the vitality of the Canadian Francophonie as well as our membership in the larger international Francophone family.

It is a particular pleasure to welcome the many ambassadors from French-speaking countries as well as representatives of Richelieu Internationale. Your presence reminds us of the common linguistic bond we share with millions of other men and women on continents around the world.

Canada's linguistic duality is part of the Canadian identity - and the Canadian soul. Our desire to preserve and promote this duality reflects a willingness to respect the past and each other. It is an acknowledgement that Canada is not a monolithic society that speaks with one voice - and never has been. After all, Canada is a diverse country. And this diversity of experience has helped to breed a sense of openness and tolerance that have become part of our quality of life, just as important as our democratic institutions, social programs and the health of our economy.

Of course, we gain many tangible benefits from embracing two official languages. Our country has benefited immeasurably from a cultural and artistic standpoint. We also enjoy profound economic advantages. The knowledge of more than one language affords each of us a precious passport to success in an increasingly global knowledge-based economy.

Canadians, both French-speaking and English-speaking, must take advantage of occasions like this Rendez-vous to affirm our common commitment to our linguistic duality. We should take a moment and think about the benefits we have gained as a nation and the successes we have achieved, together. But perhaps most importantly, we should reflect on the work that remains to be done to ensure that our two official languages continue to blossom and flourish.

2. Canada and the international Francophone community

Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that the Government of Canada has a profound responsibility to promote the use of the French language both here at home and abroad. We are working on many fronts, and with many partners, to achieve this important goal.

Internationally speaking, Canadians are very proud of the role that this country has played, and continues to play, in the founding and development of la Francophonie. Only a few decades ago, the idea of la Francophonie was a lofty dream. Today this organization has grown into a respected international forum, providing a strong and eloquent voice within the community of nations.

Canada feels privileged to be able to provide leadership in la Francophonie.

Last September, for example, the eyes of the world were on Moncton as it hosted the Sommet de la francophonie. The gracious residents of that city demonstrated the true meaning of Canadian hospitality. Next year, it will be the National Capital Region's turn as it welcomes the best athletes in the Francophone world for les Jeux de la Francophonie.

We will continue to co-operate with our international partners, many of whom are represented here today, in order to raise the profile of la Francophonie and to extend its influence. It is an important institution and I believe that its best days are yet to come.

3. The Canadian francophonie

Of course, our first concern, as a government and as a society, is to preserve and promote the use of the French language and to support the development of official languages communities here at home.

During my time with the Canadian government, I have had the opportunity to visit various communities across the country.

I can say, confidently, that the Francophone spirit burns brightly throughout Canada.

Certainly this is the case in Quebec, but it is also true in diverse official language communities living in minority situations. Each place I visited I felt the same sense of pride, confidence and optimism among Francophone community representatives.

I also sensed a profound desire to build for the future. The Government of Canada will continue to play a strong and positive role in this building process. I recently opened, for example, several Service Canada Access Centres in a number of provinces. These centres help ensure that citizens can get easy access to federal government services in the official language of their choice. The Government of Canada is also striving to ensure that Canada's two official linguistic groups continue to express themselves on that most important of new communications tools: the Internet.

These are examples of just two areas where the Government of Canada is active. There are many more.

Laws and government programs alone, however, are not enough. We also need the personal engagement of all citizens - of men and women like you. The theme of this year's meeting is "Notre Francophonie en personne". We must recognize and embrace the individual contribution that each of us can - and should - make to preserve and enrich Canada's Francophone character.

4. The Importance of Personal Engagement

Obviously, the Public Service of Canada has a crucial role to play. As Public Service employees you provide an example to inspire our private sector, our non-governmental organizations, our academic institutions, our community associations and the millions of families and individuals across the country. The leadership you exercise within federal institutions - in your day-to-day to work, in your dealings with colleagues and in your interactions with the public - filters outwards into society as a whole.

The Government of Canada, under the guidance of the Treasury Board, is in the process of giving new life to official languages in the context of the federal government. As we strive to prepare the Public Service of Canada to meet the challenges of the future, promoting official languages will continue to remain a central concern.

5. Conclusion

Ladies and gentlemen, this Rendez-vous is a very happy occasion. It is an opportunity to reflect on the successes that generations of Canadians have enjoyed in promoting and preserving our two official languages - the languages of Shakespeare and Molière.

Of course, we must remain vigilant. We cannot take anything for granted. The responsibility to ensure that our Francophone communities not only survive, but also blossom, rests on the shoulders of everyone who cares about the development of our country.

But there is every reason for confidence. Our linguistic duality is one of the key factors that has helped to make our considerable prosperity possible. And I know that it will continue to be a source of strength and creativity as Canada moves confidently forward.

Thank you.