Before we adjourn, as it is quite rare for our committee to hear from a Minister of Official Languages and it seems unlikely Ms. Petitpas Taylor will return here any time soon, I would like to take the opportunity to make her aware of something, if I may, of course.
I want to make the minister aware of the importance of learning French in indigenous communities where French is not people's first language. That is the case in my region, Abitibi‑Témiscamingue, where the first nations language in the Témiscamingue region, apart from the Anishinabe language, is English.
The Red River Métis are making the same request. They would like to be able to reconnect with French, which is one of their original languages that gave rise to the Michif language later on.
It is important that French courses be offered in the indigenous communities that request them. That would be a good indication of sensitivity on the part of the government.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.