Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to continue in the same vein as my colleague Richard Nadeau.
Yesterday, I made a statement in the House on the event that occurred in February. We know full well that there was absolutely no intention to have any French representation, because the two texts that were translated into French by francophones, at the last minute, were supposed to be presented only in English. That is extremely insulting. The Olympic Games are getting off to a bad start.
When you talk about the presence of French, I ask myself the following question: Where and how will it be present? Will both languages be treated equally? I raised that point earlier with my colleague. Will all services really be provided in French?
I have read the recommendations. The Commissioner of Official Languages has asked that VANOC immediately hire at least one more full-time employee to deal with official languages. Has that been done? The event is quickly approaching, as you know. The games will be held in 2010.
I am very concerned and am sure that, if the Department of Canadian Heritage and other VANOC stakeholders do not do their work as expected, you will be getting an earful for a long time after the Olympic Games. Francophones—as we know, we are a French-speaking country—live across Canada, and some will feel quite hurt and upset because they will not have had any services in their language.
Once again, we hear that the government is not responsible if people in certain areas cannot watch the Olympic Games on television in French. It seems unfortunate that the government not expend more efforts to allow people to watch the Olympic Games in their own language. Some francophones might not speak English. Whereas the games will be broadcast in English across Canada, francophones will again be penalized.
I would like you to answer my questions, if possible.