Evidence of meeting #13 for Official Languages in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was young.
A recording is available from Parliament.
10:10 a.m.
NDP
Robert Aubin NDP Trois-Rivières, QC
I'm going to ask a question B to make it four.
Do you think there is a priority or a sector that absolutely should not be touched?
10:10 a.m.
President, Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario
The community sector.
10:10 a.m.
President, Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française
Generally speaking, of course, there's the community sector and education. Education, in relation to the community sector, is absolutely essential.
10:10 a.m.
NDP
Robert Aubin NDP Trois-Rivières, QC
My last question is as follows.
In the development of the next Roadmap, are you afraid that amounts will be provided for projects with one hand, through the Roadmap, that will then be withdrawn from the regular programs, as a result of which, to all intents and purposes, there will be no improvement in the situation of the communities?
10:10 a.m.
President, Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française
Can we say that's a fear? I'm not sure we have any fears at this point. However, if that situation were to arise, that definitely would not be desirable.
In our minds, the objective of the Roadmap is to improve existing programs, and in that sense this has to remain an improvement, not a transfer of funds to another budget. It really has to involve additional funding.
10:10 a.m.
President, Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario
I would add the same advice to that. If we say that linguistic duality is a cornerstone of our identity, when we prioritize our Roadmap investments, that has to be consistent, again accepting the fact that parliamentarians have a fiscal responsibility. This nevertheless has to be done with firmly-rooted priorities.
I go back to that idea that inspires me everyday. Linguistic duality is a cornerstone of our national identity. That's what distinguishes us from the Americans. We have to invest in that aspect.
10:10 a.m.
NDP
Robert Aubin NDP Trois-Rivières, QC
Thank you, gentlemen.
You have shown exemplary efficiency. I received answers to all my questions. If I have a minute left, I can share it with one of my colleagues.
10:10 a.m.
NDP
Élaine Michaud NDP Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC
Mr. Couture, you tell me you skipped a law class, but I'm going to take advantage of your status as a future lawyer to ask you for your impressions on the appointment of a unilingual anglophone judge to the Supreme Court.
10:10 a.m.
President, Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française
Mr. Justice Moldaver has expressed his intention to learn French within the next year.
10:10 a.m.
NDP
Élaine Michaud NDP Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC
I'm not talking about him. I'm talking about the situation in general.
10:10 a.m.
President, Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française
In his specific case, I believe this is extremely interesting. In general, I believe it would be desirable for all of our Supreme Court justices to speak and understand both languages.
10:10 a.m.
Conservative
10:15 a.m.
NDP
Dan Harris NDP Scarborough Southwest, ON
The Commissioner of Official Languages expressed concern about the cuts because the government will not keep its eyes on linguistic duality. There may not be any direct cuts. However, if every department had to cut 5% to 10% and they didn't do it together, that might hurt the community.
Would you have a brief comment to make on that subject?
10:15 a.m.
President, Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française
We're aware that the fiscal situation in Canada is difficult at this time. We understand the reality. However, as Mr. Vaillancourt said, duality is a cornerstone and has to remain a priority of this government and future governments.
10:15 a.m.
President, Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario
I would simply add that it's an idea of national priority that has to be supported.
10:15 a.m.
Conservative
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Vaillancourt, you previously cited some examples of francophone entrepreneurs who have succeeded. Among your initiatives, is there one that would help develop entrepreneurial leadership?
10:15 a.m.
President, Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario
Yes, some of the planned projects, with FedDev Ontario, among others, can put young graduates in the community and in small- and medium-sized businesses. That will enable them to develop strategic planning and marketing skills. The goal is precisely to provide them with tools so that they can become entrepreneurs and contribute to entrepreneurship where they are placed. These are things that we try to promote at every opportunity that arises.
10:15 a.m.
Vice-President, Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario
Mr. Gourde, I'm going to give you an idea for a specific project.
The UN has declared that next year will be the International Year of Cooperatives. In French-speaking Ontario, cooperatives play an essential role in the entrepreneurial development of the communities. That's important because this involves people who are taking charge of their lives at the local level.
It has been observed that the incomes of entrepreneurs are higher in the cooperative sector than in the private sector. We often have a false perception of the actual situation and don't understand the cooperative sector in French-speaking Ontario. What happens is that these cooperatives develop entrepreneurship to an enormous degree, which then leads to the private sector.
I mention that to you because sometimes you ask what the relationship is with Canadian Heritage. These Roadmap programs often request funding to develop these local and regional businesses.
10:15 a.m.
President, Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française
I can mention that, within the youth network, the fields of health and entrepreneurship are currently growing across the country. Our member partners across the country are developing projects. In the east, in particular, there is a project involving four organizations called Faut que ça bouge, which is currently being implemented.
At the national level, the federation is managing a francophone youth employment program that provides initial employment experience in French for young people. We obviously hope this first experience will stimulate the spirit of entrepreneurship and an interest in working and developing in French, which we consider very important.
This is a growing network priority, but the effort is only beginning. We can say it has been under the radar for three or four years.
10:15 a.m.
Conservative
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC
Are there any sectors of the economy or of the country where it's an advantage to be a francophone entrepreneur as opposed to those who are unilingual anglophones? Can they put themselves in an advantageous position relative to the competition?
10:15 a.m.
President, Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française
I believe it is extremely important to have a francophone perspective in the service sector. We can offer services in both languages. It's similar in communications, research and international business.
The francophone world is an enormous market, particularly with Africa opening up. Francophone Africa is currently exploding. I believe that, with regard to international economic development prospects, Africa will be a major player in the next few years. It's an undeniable asset in that connection to be able to speak French and to be francophone.
10:15 a.m.
Conservative
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC
In the financial sector, the Caisses Desjardins du Québec has broken into the market in Ontario and other provinces. It often starts up in the more francophone areas.
Have you shown that there are any advantages for the communities in having a financial sector that has emerged from a francophone environment?
