Ontario Building Stronger Ties with Francophone Countries

The Organisation internationale de La Francophonie (OIF) has granted Ontario observer status, which will open up opportunities for co-operation in culture, education, economic development and other areas, and help strengthen the province’s profile in the Francophone world.

Ontario’s observer status reflects the Franco-Ontarian community’s integral role in the province’s past, present and future, and the government’s commitment to protecting and promoting French language and identity.

The OIF represents approximately 220 million French speakers in countries and regions around the world. Ontario will support the organization’s efforts to promote cultural diversity, sustainable development, education and training. It will also support work — under the leadership of OIF Secretary General Michaëlle Jean, a former Governor General of Canada — to advance peace, democracy and human rights.

Quick Facts
More than 600,000 Francophones live in Ontario, the largest Francophone community in Canada outside of Québec.
The OIF promotes multilateral co-operation that benefits French-speaking people and respects cultural and linguistic diversity, and humanist values.