Personally, I think that it is primarily in Quebec, New Brunswick and the National Capital Region that we have historically noted increased numbers of Anglophones who speak French in the workplace. And it is precisely because of the pressure to do so—something that is due in large part to the federal government, which has brought that pressure to bear in terms of job requirements, such as knowledge of the official languages—that we are seeing that increase.
Never, in the history of Quebec, have so many Anglophones and non-Francophones spoken French. That is equally true for New Brunswick and Ontario with respect to actual numbers of non-Francophones and Anglophones who speak French. There has been a progression. Even Mr. Castonguay cannot deny that increased numbers of Anglophones now speak French in Quebec. It is now at an historic level never seen before.
So, there is good news, and we have to continue to bring pressure to bear—not just by getting the message out that we would like people to speak French, or that it would be very nice or kind of them to do so. This is going to take pressure at the federal level, notably in communities where it is possible to encourage people to speak French through different means. Companies that deal with the federal government should also be encouraged to provide services in French. I know that that may be tough, tough measures are what is needed. Personally, I remain hopeful and optimistic about the future.
If you do not mind, Mr. Chairman, I would like to make a point. We have deviated from our initial topic, which was Francophone immigration. Mr. Weston raised a very important point. This idea of discouraging immigrants from settling outside Quebec conveys a message. The message may well be more important than the numbers. If our message is that Francophone immigrants should not settle anywhere else than Quebec, we may be sending the same message to Francophone Quebeckers who would like to move somewhere else in Canada. We could also talk about a scenario, if we follow the logic—a logic that I am sure neither Mr. Nadeau nor Mr. Castonguay share—where all Anglophones who live on the other side of the bridge--
Is it all right if I continue? Mr. Castonguay, I know that you like… Please allow me to finish; I have not spoken much today. I will be finished in a few seconds, Mr. Blaney.