Canada has ambitions at Francophonie summit

ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR• The Liberal government views the summit of la Francophonie as an opportunity to get the world talking about troubles and solutions, while showcasing Canada’s ideas on how to address them.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is leading the Canadian delegation to this year’s summit of the International Organization of la Francophonie in Antananarivo, Madagascar, which, after a day in Liberia, is the second and final stop on his first visit to Africa since the Liberals came to power.

The absence of major players such as the United States and China allows Canada — whose $ 43 million in annual funding to la Francophonie makes it the second- largest contributor after France — a chance to wield influence.

At the opening ceremony Saturday, Trudeau is expected to talk about human rights, including those of LGBTQ people, even though some of the delegates represent countries where homosexual activity is still illegal.