Thank you for the question.
The fact that we exceeded the target in 2025 is significant. It is a sign that we are moving in the right direction, but unfortunately, we are several years behind.
From 2003 to 2019, we were unable to meet the 4.4% targets. The delay has really caused a demographic loss in our regions and in our communities. It is therefore very important to ensure that we can meet the targets. That said, we also need to set even more ambitious targets so that we can ensure the vitality of our communities.
The Prime Minister announced a 12% target for 2029. However, we think we should go even further to be able to make up for all the years when we didn't meet the target.
A few years ago, the Commissioner of Official Languages conducted a study that showed that the shortfall in our communities was about 73,000 people, since we didn't meet the targets for two decades. We're still playing catch-up. We have to meet the targets, but we have to have even more ambitious targets.