Honourable senators, the International Day of La Francophonie is a special opportunity to celebrate the linguistic and cultural diversity of French-speaking communities around the world.

On this day when we celebrate La Francophonie, it is vital to remember the importance of recognizing, protecting and preserving the French language, especially in regions where it is the minority language.

French is one of Canada’s official languages and a pillar of our national identity. However, francophone minority communities face unique challenges ranging from assimilation to difficulty accessing government services.

It is our duty to support these francophone communities and to take meaningful action to preserve and promote the French language.

That involves establishing inclusive language policies and making investments in education and culture.

I think it’s a fitting time to highlight the impact that the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney had on francophones in this country.

He not only modernized the Official Languages Act, but he also stood up for francophones across the country. He was a friend to the Acadians and a staunch defender of francophones in minority communities.

Today, I want to celebrate a shining example of resilience and determination: the Acadians in my hometown of Chéticamp, Nova Scotia. The fact that we have been able to preserve the French language in Chéticamp is nothing short of remarkable, especially since the village is located in an English-speaking province, where francophones and Acadians account for just over 3% of the population.

The Acadians of Chéticamp, like those of other Acadian villages in Nova Scotia, have had to overcome a lot of adversity to preserve their language and identity.

Chéticamp is a gem of a village nestled on the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, but it is more than just a village. It is a bastion of the French language, a place where ancestral traditions are cherished and passed down from generation to generation, defying the unrelenting forces of assimilation.

During the week of March 3 to 8, 2024, the people of Chéticamp celebrated Mi-Carême, the midpoint of Lent, a tradition that has all but disappeared from the rest of Acadia and Quebec.

On this International Day of La Francophonie, let us pay tribute to the Acadians of Chéticamp and to all francophone communities that passionately defend their language and culture.

Let us commit to protecting and preserving the beautiful French language, not just in Canada, but around the world.

Thank you and vive La Francophonie!