The B.C. government has proclaimed Friday, March 20, as Journée de la francophonie, celebrating the social, cultural and economic contributions of francophones throughout the province, and highlighting the importance of French at every stage of life under the theme “French for life.”

Since March 20 is during Spring Break, the celebration was on Thursday, March 12, while the B.C. Legislature was in session, a provincial government media release explained.

To mark the occasion, the B.C. francophone community flag was raised at the B.C. Parliament Buildings. The flag will be raised again on March 20 to mark the contributions and vitality of francophones throughout the province.

“Marking la Journée de la francophonie gives us a chance to recognize the role French plays in our shared cultural fabric and to celebrate the people who contribute to it across British Columbia,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.

“Early childhood services continue to play a meaningful role in supporting a vibrant francophone presence throughout the province.”

“The annual celebration and proclamation of International Francophonie Day is a powerful reminder of the collective commitment needed to ensure French can be lived, shared and passed on at every stage of life, from early childhood to future generations, here in British Columbia,” said Marie-Nicole Dubois, president, Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique.

British Columbia has the third-largest population of bilingual French-English speakers in Canada.

There are 46 francophone schools throughout B.C. as part of the Francophone School Board, including école Sophie-Morigeau in Fernie.

Approximately 8.4% of B.C.’s student population was enrolled in French-immersion programs in 2024-25.

e-KNOW file photo

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