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Message From His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of the Journee internationale de la Francophonie

I am delighted to celebrate the Journee internationale de la Francophonie, which is dedicated this year to youth in every country and on every continent.

I have always considered our linguistic duality a precious asset that strengthens our nation. In the twenty years that I lived in Montreal, I had the pleasure of discovering and enjoying the many facets of French culture and language; today, I consider them national treasures.

I also had the opportunity to meet with remarkable young Canadians whose energy, ingenuity and generosity impressed me. They have so much to give and, like so many others worldwide, are working together to create a more just and more peaceful world.

With spring just around the corner, as we await with excitement this promise of renewal, let us draw inspiration from our youth and affirm our solidarity and unwavering respect for universal rights. Let us make the most of this opportunity to strengthen the ties that bind us and put our talents and imagination to use in our communities to build a smarter, more caring nation.

To all French-speaking Canadians and to everyone taking part in festivities marking the Journee internationale de la Francophonie, may the celebration continue long past today.

David Johnston

The Journee internationale de la Francophonie is celebrated on March 20, 2011.