First of all, I would like to welcome you to this session of the Official Languages Committee held as part of our national tour. Perhaps I should be saying that you are welcoming us to Newfoundland, because we are in your region.
The Official Languages Committee has been in existence for about 25 years. This is the first time in its history that the committee has undertaken such a visit in order to meet people on the ground and find out what they are thinking about the Official Languages Act, as well as the services provided to them under this legislation.
We are very pleased to be here today. In the past, the Official Languages Committee was a joint parliamentary committee but, for the past few years, the House of Commons and the Senate have each had their own Official Languages Parliamentary Committee.
I will begin by introducing the committee clerks: Mr. Samy Agha—which is a far cry from for an Acadian name!—and Ms. Louise Thibault. I would also introduce you to our researcher, Mr. Jean-Rodrigue Paré.
The Conservatives members—the party in power—who are part of this committee are Sylvie Boucher, Daniel Petit and Pierre Lemieux. We also have Raymond Simard, from the Liberal party, and Guy André, from the Bloc Québécois.
As you know, a five-year plan was prepared two years ago. The purpose of our National tour is to find out, from the people on the ground, whether or not this plan is working and whether or not you are satisfied with it. We would also like to hear any advice or suggestions you may have.
At the start we decided to give every witness three minutes, but given the number of witnesses present, we can give you up to ten minutes. That will give each of you an opportunity to make a detailed presentation.
We will then go to questions. For the first round, every member will have seven minutes to ask questions and hear the answers from the witnesses. We will continue with rounds of questioning until we have used up all of the time we have set a side for this region.
My name is Yvon Godin and I am the member for the riding of Acadie—Bathurst, which is located in northeastern New Brunswick. I am proud that my riding contains the word “Acadie”, because it is very representative.
I hope that we will have an enriching meeting and that will be able to discuss the issues facing francophone minorities in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
We will begin with Ms. Poirier. Please introduce yourself and state your title.