June 21, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

The following is the text of a message by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien on the occasion of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day:

"Today as we mark Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, I invite all Canadians to celebrate the richness of our French heritage and culture, which are part of the very foundation of Canada’s identity and diversity.

Canada’s Francophonie is unique, and its influence is expanding more than ever. Our athletes, our artists and our heroes are recognized the world over. From one end of our vast country to the other, the many faces of Canadian Francophonie bear proud witness to their unique heritage while benefiting from a collective strength deriving from a common language and set of values.

In honour of this diversity, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day has also become the holiday of all Quebecers. It highlights their invaluable and unflagging contribution to our development as a society.

Aline joins me in offering all our fellow citizens our very best wishes for Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day."

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