All across the country, millions of Francophones and Francophiles are getting involved in their communities and contributing to the strength of our economy.

Our Government is proud to promote the vitality of the Canadian Francophonie and to highlight French, one of our official languages and an important part of our heritage.

On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to take part in the 14th Rendez-vous de la Francophonie and I thank everyone who has helped ensure this event's success.

Every nation must have, want and promote shared values if it wishes to maintain a productive social fabric.

Canada is no exception to this rule. Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie (RVF) provides the opportunity to highlight one of the determinants of our definition as a country, that is to say the presence and dynamism of Francophone and Acadian communities in every province and territory, a key symbol of our commitment to diversity.

The Canadian Foundation for Cross-Cultural Dialogue is proud to present this 14th edition of the RVF. This is a unique opportunity for all Francophones and Anglophones to strengthen our shared values and to help build our country's identity.

The Rendez-vous de la Francophonie speak to a deep attachment to the French language.

The Government of Québec nurtures this bond through the Québec Policy on the Canadian Francophonie, in particular by supporting initiatives that foster connection and dialogue between Quebecers and Francophone and Acadian communities. This is the spirit behind the major gathering of Francophone leaders from across Canada in Québec City next May 28 and 29.

For those whose mother tongue is French, it is the language of daily use, culture and action, a language of thought and innovation, and the bedrock for their identity. And French opens up a whole new world to the many who want to master it because language is the password to the culture and essence of a people.

The many celebrations surrounding International Francophonie Day, which include Rendez-vous de la Francophonie, are dazzling expressions of our collective affection for French, the language that transcends borders to unite us from near and far.

Let’s be proud of this language that inspires our self-worth, creativity and vitality!

I extend my warmest greetings to everyone taking part in the 2012 edition of the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie.

The Franco-Ontarian community will soon commemorate 400 years of French presence in Ontario. The Ontario government has never been so proud to highlight French language and culture in this province and across the country.

Take advantage of this national event to celebrate La Francophonie!

As Canada’s national airline, Air Canada is proud to take part in francophone events

and to help bring together millions of francophones and francophiles across the country. Together, we can ensure this rich culture continues to flourish.

Enjoy the Rendez-vous.

The Francophonie is an important part of our shared Canadian identity

and resonates with NAV CANADA employees who provide air navigation services in both official languages and many others who are francophiles broadening their horizons.

Join us in celebrating this year's theme – "Understanding builds a better future" – and experience what our country's great francophone communities have to offer.

Bons Rendez-vous!

The Rendez-vous de la Francophonie is an exceptional opportunity

to discover the rich variety and vitality of our country’s French-language culture.

The National Film Board of Canada is partnering with this nationwide cultural celebration for the seventh year, presenting two documentary and animation programs for francophone and francophile communities. For the first time, this year the public will be able to watch four NFB films online, at www.rvf.ca.

See you at the Rendez-vous!