Good afternoon everyone.
The Standing Committee on Official Languages is continuing its work as part of a special edition “Tour of the Canadian Far North”.
This afternoon, we are beginning the final stage of our mission to the Canadian Far North, which began in Whitehorse and continued here all morning with several witnesses. This final stage will be in two parts.
First of all, allow me to introduce our witnesses, to whom I would like to extend a very warm welcome.
With us today is Mr. Alain Bessette, Director of Éditions franco-ténoises/L'Aquilon and Société Radio Taïga, two important sources of information. Good afternoon, Mr. Bessette.
We also have Mr. Jean-François Pitre, Chairman of the Board of Directors, du Conseil de développement économique des Territoires du Nord-Ouest. With him is the Executive Director, Ms. Sylvie Francoeur. Welcome, Mr. Pitre and Ms. Francoeur.
We also have Ms. Marie-Pierre Dupont, Director of the Garderie Plein Soleil daycare, a community organization. Welcome.
We also have Mr. Simon Lepage, Vice-President of the Association franco-culturelle de Hay River. With him is Mr. Justin Carey, the President. Welcome to you both.
Finally, we have Mr. Jean de Dieu Tuyishime, from the Fédération franco-ténoise, who is joining us once again.
Without any further ado, I would like to invite Mr. Bessette to get the ball rolling with his opening statement.