Explore La Francophonie

Canada and La Francophonie

According to the 2006 Census, there are about 6,892,000 Francophones in Canada, that is, individuals who declared French to be their mother tongue. As such, Francophones represent 22.1% of the Canadian population.

• 4.1% of the population outside Québec declares French their mother tongue.
• In Québec, Francophones make up 80% of the population.
• In New Brunswick, Francophones represent 33% of the population.

For a modern and open Francophonie

In 1970, Canada was a founding member of the Agence de coopération culturelle et technique (the predecessor of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie).

Canada acknowledges the importance of the French presence within its borders and is determined to support the development of the international Francophone community. Membership in La Francophonie is a key focus of Canada’s foreign policy.

Canada’s involvement in La Francophonie aims to:

• highlight the country’s linguistic duality, and
• support and foster the vitality of French in Canada.

La Francophonie is a forum for cooperation and dialogue in which Canada can use its influence to promote democracy, human rights, and consolidation of the rule of law, as well as peace and human security.