MONTREAL

Dany Laferriere inducted into l'Academie Francaise

CTV Montreal Published Thursday, May 28, 2015 9:27PM EDT

Laferriere acknowledges applause after speech

Haitian-born Canadian writer Dany Laferriere acknowledges applause after delivering his speech during his induction ceremony at the Academie Francaise, French Academy, in Paris, Thursday May 28, 2015. Dany Laferriere is a Haitian Canadian novelist and journalist who writes in French. (AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

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Dany Laferriere is the newest member of l'Academie Francaise.

The Academy acts as the symbolic authority for the French language. Laferriere, a Haitian-born novelist, has written 18 novels and is also a former journalist.

Laferriere was elected into the Academy in 2013 and was inducted Thursday. He joins the 39 other members, called immortals; they are elected for life.

He received the honour in the presence of Premier Philippe Couillard and French President Francois Hollande, among others.

Laferriere is first Quebecer to be inducted into the Academy, which was established in the 17th century by Cardinal Richelieu.