Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day Celebrates French Language and Culture
OTTAWA — Canadians are marking Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24, celebrating the French language, Francophone culture and the lasting contributions of French-speaking communities across the country.
In a statement released Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney recognized the importance of Francophone heritage in Canada’s history and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting French language and culture nationwide.
“Today, on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, we celebrate the beauty of the French language, the vitality of Francophone culture, and the remarkable contributions Francophones make to the social, cultural, and economic life of our country,” Carney said.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, celebrated annually on June 24, is Quebec’s national holiday and is also recognized by Francophone communities across Canada. The day honours French language, culture and traditions while highlighting the role Francophones have played in shaping Canadian society.
French Language a Defining Part of Canada
In his statement, Carney noted that French has been an integral part of Canada’s development for generations, particularly in Quebec and Francophone communities from coast to coast.
He described French as more than a language, calling it an expression of a living culture and a defining part of Canada’s national identity.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of official bilingualism, saying Canada’s linguistic duality reflects the country’s ability to unite people with different histories, cultures and perspectives.
Federal Investments in Official Languages
The federal government says it continues to support the growth and vitality of French-language communities through investments under the Action Plan for Official Languages.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Ottawa is investing more than $4 billion through the plan to strengthen institutions that promote French and Francophone culture while supporting services and initiatives in communities across the country.
The government is also backing Canada’s bid to host the Sommet de la Francophonie in 2028, an international gathering of leaders from French-speaking nations and regions around the world.
Celebrations Across Quebec and Canada
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations are taking place throughout Quebec and in Francophone communities across Canada, featuring cultural festivals, concerts, parades and community events.
The annual observance provides an opportunity to celebrate the French language and recognize the generations of Canadians who have helped preserve and promote Francophone traditions.
Carney concluded his statement by paying tribute to those who continue to pass the French language from one generation to the next through families, schools, workplaces and communities.
“Together, we will continue to promote this language that shapes our identity, enriches our culture, and contributes to the strength of Canada as a whole,” the Prime Minister said.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office, June 24, 2026.
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