Well, I think it could be fairly simple. We basically know what the mandate is in terms of protecting official languages. Whatever the department, whether it's Canadian Heritage, Human Resources Development Canada, Service Canada or another organization, it is important that when the time comes to do something and actually put one's signature on a piece of paper, it be absolutely clear that all the necessary steps have been taken to abide by — based on any possible changes to the context or federal philosophy, or even a change of government — the current policy. In this case, we're talking about language. I see that as absolutely critical.
At the outset, I cited the example of regional offices that were set up in Northern Ontario, where we suddenly realized there was a lack of requirements. As much as possible, I would like to avoid having to call on Mr. Fraser's office. I respect the fact that he has been appointed and I am even proud of that. The fact remains that if his office ceased to exist, we would have accomplished wonderful things in Canada. We wouldn't need this kind of organization anymore. I do hope that I won't have to make use of his office's services and remind people that in Northern Ontario, there are more than 150,000 or 160,000 Francophones. I don't want to be told that someone may be able to speak to me in French.
It's something else when it actually states in the job description of the director of employment programs that the French fact is recognized, just as we recognize it and as the federal government has always recognized it. I'm not saying that everyone in the province has to become bilingual. That is just an example. In the province, we are on the verge of creating a whole series of small offices that will be responsible for employment management, return to work, and so on. It's important to ensure that not only the spirit but the letter of the law are adhered to.
You cannot imagine how hard I have fought, for example, to get brochures in French in some offices. I should not have to ask where the French version of a program is. I have been going through this for the last ten years.
When you sign an LMDA/LMPA or immigration agreement, be sure that the rights of Francophones and minorities are spelled out in every single document passed from one person to the next.