Honourable senators, in two days, it will be June 24. In Quebec, we’ll celebrate our national holiday, while elsewhere in Canada, francophones will celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. Wherever you are, be it in Abitibi, Bouctouche, Timmins, Saint-Boniface or elsewhere in the country, June 24 is a time to highlight our rich francophone heritage and celebrate the many contributions of Quebeckers, French Canadians and francophone immigrants to the cultural landscape of our country.

French is the common language of over 10 million Canadians, and is at the heart of our June 24 celebrations. It is a rich and beautiful language, and is an integral part of the history of Quebec and of the Canadian francophonie. Beyond the French fact, this great celebration on June 24 is also the perfect occasion to celebrate the traditions, accomplishments and values which make us, North American francophones, a strong and resilient people, clearly proud of its heritage.

June 24 reminds us of the extent to which our history and our culture have served to build bridges between us and the rest of Canada, through the generations and the ages, and to contribute, deservedly, to the multicultural dynamic of our country. In fact, Canada stands out in the world for its bilingual status, its inclusive pluralism and its protection of cultural and linguistic heritage. We have many reasons to be proud.

Growing up in Montreal, working in Quebec and living in Canada gave me the opportunity to learn, study, raise a family and work in both French and English. Not everyone has that privilege, and I’m grateful that I did. Since I was sworn in to the Senate, I’ve developed a greater appreciation for the magnitude and importance of the French fact in Canada, and it is up to all of us to ensure its vitality. On June 24, it is important that we recognize the historic contribution of the French fact in Canada and that we celebrate how that language unites us, even with its various accents and regional dialects.

Honourable senators, I hope that you’ll join me in wishing all Quebecers an excellent national holiday and wishing all francophones and francophiles across the country a happy Saint-Jean-Baptiste.

Let’s hope that we’ll also be able to celebrate a victory by the Montreal Canadiens this evening. Thank you.