Until March 23rd, millions of Francophones and francophiles from all corners of the nation have a multitude of opportunities to interact, celebrate and express their love of French language and culture, as the 10th annual Rendez-vous de la Francophonie gets underway.

Under the theme «From Past to Future Generations, My World is la francophonie», this 10th annual event reminds us that, from the earliest settlement of explorers in the Americas, numerous generations have contributed to planting the roots of the Francophonie in cities and towns across the country. Today, in Acadia, Quebec, Ontario, the West and in the North, current generations turn their eyes to the future.

The charming and talented Jean-François Breau has accepted with passion to be the spokesperson for this event. «I was born in Ontario and raised in Acadia. For me, the French language is a heritage and a love story, which everyday entices my pen into writing my songs. Today, I sing everywhere and this has allowed me to see that the French language, my language, is loved by 200 million others around the globe. I’m proud of my roots, and I’m also proud to belong to a modern, diversified francophonie. With its emphasis on bringing generations together, I was immediately seduced by the program for the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie and I’m sure you will be too!» he underlined.

We are 9 million strong ! This major celebration of the Francophonie will span the nation, with a diverse range of activities to provide the opportunity for Francophones and francophiles of all generations to interact, get to know each other, forge new links and celebrate together. The program includes: encounters with history, a meeting of generations, interchange among regions and a chance to return to tradition.

Don’t miss the occasion ! Our partners are brimming with creativity and, as always, are engaged with much enthusiasm in the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie.

Ten Years Already! Ten years ago, the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie counted several hundred activities in its inventory. Since then, this period of festivities, reflections and celebrations has established itself as a Canadian tradition. Now in March, across Canada, thousands of event organizers from all regions and millions of people, whether First Nations origin, first or fifteenth generation, Francophone or francophile, all celebrate the Francophonie under its many themes and varieties. The Rendez-vous de la Francophonie offer them a showcase in which to shine.

From 7 through 23 March 2008, all are invited to join in this grand festival !

The Canadian Foundation for Cross-Cultural Dialogue aims to promote and sustain dialogue among the many different components of Canadian society. Since 2005, the Foundation has organized the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie, this annual event scheduled around the Journée internationale de la Francophonie, which brings to light Francophone and francophile activities from across the country.