OTTAWA -- Today, the Green Party of Canada celebrates francophones in Canada and around the world. The theme of this year’s International Francophonie Day is: Francophone Women, Resilient Women.
Canada is home to millions of francophones, and while most live in Quebec, more than a million live in other provinces.
“In Canada, francophone women continue to play important roles at all levels of society, and contribute to the rich diversity of Canada," said Green Party Leader Annamie Paul. “As the mother of two children who are part of Canada's Francophonie, francophone Canadians hold a special place in my heart. I was also honoured to be included in Francopresse's 2020 list of influential figures in the Canadian Francophonie.
"Experience has also proven to me that fluency in French is a formidable asset. It opens doors and builds bridges. My mother understood this, and I am grateful that she insisted on enrolling me in French Immersion early on. The Green Party wants to ensure that every person in Canada has access to opportunities to learn French and to acquire the language.
“Women are resilient and courageous. I think of all the francophone women who left their cou
ntries to travel to these shores over the centuries. French speaking women from around the world choose Canada because of its francophone community. Our society benefits enormously
from this, and we must seek to support them in every way we can as they build new lives here.”
Ms. Paul noted that the pandemic has disproportionately affected women, many of them francophone. “It will be critical to target funding in any recovery package to specifically help francophone women re-enter the workforce and to access childcare and other social programs. It is important not only to protect the language, but also to take steps to ensure it thrives and flourishes,” she said.
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For more information or to arrange an interview:
Rosie Emery
Press Secretary
613-562-4916x206