Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Mr. McKinnon, for being with us to discuss your Bill C-316.
I always find it interesting to hear people say how vital and vigorous bilingualism is across Canada based solely on examples involving their friends and families. I know two Swedes who speak pretty good French, so I think Sweden's a great example of a country where French is flourishing. That's roughly the same kind of example.
You talk about British Columbia, where you increasingly hear French being spoken. I've been to Vancouver many times and haven't heard a lot of French, but you're right: there may be more and more of it. Restaurant operators, business people and others go there and do contribute somewhat to the French fact, which is disappearing at an accelerating pace. Even in the streets of Montreal, you increasingly hear people say they find it hard get served in French. My MP colleagues from Montreal Island would be in very bad faith if they denied that.
When you prepared your Bill C-316, in which you seem to be very interested, which is all to your credit, did you consult many Quebec groups about their expectations and concerns regarding this program?