Ontario Celebrates International Francophonie Day
March 20, 2025
Francophone Affairs
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TORONTO — Today, Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs, issued the following statement:
“On this International Day of the Francophonie, Ontario joins in celebrating the incredible contributions of the province’s French-speaking community. Francophone Ontarians are a vital part of the province’s prosperity and play an integral role in our social, cultural and economic fabric. Their contributions extend far beyond Ontario’s borders, helping drive the global influence and growth of La Francophonie.
Ontario’s Francophone community represents a powerful economic force, with more than 30,000 Francophone-owned businesses—a number that continues to grow. These businesses support Ontario’s economic vitality and open new opportunities for trade and collaboration, both nationally and internationally.
As an Observer member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Ontario is strengthening socio-economic ties with other member states to foster mutual prosperity and enhance the global reach of Ontario businesses. In 2024, total trade between Ontario and OIF member states amounted to nearly $30 billion. These achievements reflect our province’s strong sense of innovation, confidence in our abilities and the vital role that Ontario’s Francophone community plays in our collective success.
This year’s theme for International Francophonie Day is “I educate myself therefore I act.” Our government is embodying this theme everyday through our investments in Francophone businesses and French language education, which prepare young people for the jobs of tomorrow.
Together, we honour La Francophonie and their incredible contributions that make Ontario the best place to live, work and raise a family.”