From what I understand, there is no strategy, no overall vision, which is very troubling. In order to advance the rights of francophones, and to ensure the survival of francophone communities, this overall vision will be necessary. Twenty-two years ago, the Reform Party arrived in Ottawa saying that it wanted to eliminate the “pet project” of bilingualism in this country. The person at the head of that program was our Prime Minister. It is not surprising that there is no respect for official languages in this government. I find that disturbing.
Moreover, those who work in official language minority communities, and you are among them, often tell us that the federal government does not consult them about decisions on immigration policy. But those decisions hamper their capacity to work in their communities and adversely affect the communities themselves.
Does the government consult your organizations on the development of these programs and policies on francophone immigration? My question is addressed to all of you.