Yes, we have already begun to discuss the matter and we have begun a joint study with the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. First, we must draw up a directory of programs, courses and opportunities offered by universities to enable students who maintain the knowledge of French they have acquired upon leaving high school. We note that there is a problem with the wide gap between students who have followed immersion courses and those who have not. The figures from Statistics Canada also confirm that there is such a problem. After finishing high school, the students who have reached a certain level of bilingualism lose it gradually at university, if the university does not emphasize bilingualism. That study has already begun. I hope that we will have more consistency and that universities will offer opportunities. I also hope that the federal government, which, let us not forget, is the biggest employer in Canada, will send a clear message that fluency in both official languages is very important as a factor to consider when hiring public servants who hope to rise in the ranks of the public service.
On January 31st, 2008. See this statement in context.