Mr. Speaker, as the member representing the federal riding of St. Boniface, as a French-speaking resident of a province and a region outside Quebec, and as a Canadian of French-speaking origin born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, I am pleased that the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada gave its unequivocal support to Canadian federalism.
The federation, like myself, believes in a dynamic and progressive Canada which is proud to promote its linguistic duality and whose government actively supports the French fact throughout the country. We hope that the referendum will be held as soon as possible, so that all of us, including Quebecers of course, can concentrate our energy on building our country, Canada.