la Fête nationale du Québec Celebrates Culture and Heritage
OTTAWA — Québecers are celebrating la Fête nationale du Québec on June 24, marking the province’s history, culture and enduring contribution to Canada’s Francophone identity.
In a statement released Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney recognized Québec’s unique place in Canada and its role as the centre of Francophone culture in North America.
“Today, on the occasion of la Fête nationale du Québec, we proudly celebrate Québec’s unique identity, history, and culture,” Carney said.
La Fête nationale du Québec, commonly known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, is Quebec’s national holiday and one of the province’s most important cultural celebrations. The annual observance highlights Québec’s French-language heritage and the traditions that have shaped its identity for generations.
Québec’s Role in Canada
The Prime Minister noted that Québec occupies a special place in Canada’s shared history and praised Quebecers for their contributions to the country’s social, cultural and economic development.
Carney said Québec’s entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and commitment to the French language have helped shape modern Canada while strengthening the country’s Francophone character.
He described French as the foundation of a dynamic culture that extends beyond Québec and enriches communities across Canada.
Federal Support for Francophone Culture
The federal government used the occasion to highlight recent investments aimed at supporting French-language culture and Canadian creators.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Ottawa invested $150 million this year in CBC/Radio-Canada to support public broadcasting and French-language programming.
The federal government is also providing more than $300 million over the next three years to support Canadian creators through Telefilm Canada, the National Film Board of Canada and the Canada Council for the Arts.
Officials say the funding is intended to strengthen cultural institutions and support the creation of Canadian content in both official languages.
Promoting La Francophonie
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting la Francophonie both domestically and internationally.
Among those efforts is Canada’s bid to host the Sommet de la Francophonie in 2028, a major international gathering of French-speaking nations and governments.
The summit would bring together leaders from across the Francophone world to discuss cultural, economic and political cooperation.
Celebrations Across Québec
La Fête nationale celebrations are taking place throughout Québec, featuring concerts, cultural performances, parades and community gatherings.
The annual event provides an opportunity for Quebecers to celebrate their shared heritage while recognizing the French language as a central element of the province’s identity.
Carney concluded his statement by encouraging Canadians to recognize the role Québec and its Francophone culture continue to play in shaping the country.
“On Fête nationale, let us celebrate what brings Québecers together: a proud history, a vibrant culture, and a French language that continues to enrich us all,” he said.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office, June 24, 2026.
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