June 24, 2013

Message from the Governor General of Canada
on the Occasion of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day 

OTTAWA— It gives me great pleasure to greet everyone taking part in activities celebrating Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, from one end of the country to the other.

The feast day of St. John the Baptist, which used to mark the summer solstice, is now an opportunity for the people of Quebec and Francophones all across Canada to celebrate their cultural identity, and the richness and diversity of Canada’s Francophonie from coast to coast. The gatherings and festivities that take place on June 24 allow us to commemorate together—through words, music and various events—Francophone history, and our pride in a flourishing culture and a vibrant language. 

I wish you all a wonderful, fun-filled, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day! 

David Johnston

-30- 

Media information:

Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
marie-eve.letourneau@gg.ca  

Follow GGDavidJohnston and RideauHall on Facebook and Twitter