Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Minister, you know there have been several newspaper articles that have brought to light the difficulty francophones have in finding a place in your department. One of the mandates assigned to you by the Prime Minister is to promote the French language across all diplomatic missions.
First, I would like you to tell us about the initiatives that have been taken by you to make sure that the other official language of this country is firmly in place and clearly visible within your department.
Second, in connection with that question, it will soon have been a year since the position of ambassador of Canada in Paris became vacant. If I am not mistaken, it took only six weeks to fill the position of High Commissioner in London.
Why does it take so long to fill the position of ambassador in Paris when our relationship with France goes back many years, in fact since this country was founded?
What explains our taking so long to fill this position? Is it because no one can be found in the Liberal ranks to hold the position?