The case which opened the floodgates to recognizing the increasing scope of minority francophone rights was the Mahé case, which dates back to 1990. It was during this case that the major principles were established, principles that would guide future cases. This case was launched by Franco-Albertans; this should not be forgotten. That community could not afford to pay for lawyers.
Mr. Chong said that this is a matter of clarifying rights. Very well, but who wants these clarifications to be made? It is the groups who are affected. The government signaled its intention to clarify certain rights by creating a program, but it is not taking any action to clarify the rights. It is doing exactly the opposite. The government is saying that it is not seeking clarification, and it would not give access to groups who seek this.
The program is geared to all of Canadian society. Yes, it does target certain specific groups. As Ms. Lalonde was saying, this program is there for women and any other group whose members may be victims of discrimination. There is no political logic to this decision; there seems to be no logic at all. It appears to be a purely ideological decision.