With respect to the current crisis, when the Commissioner of Official Languages, Raymond Théberge, appeared before the committee, he gave several examples of how official language rights have experienced some setbacks in Canada. He talked about New Brunswick, for example, and what is happening there, as well as other provinces, particularly Saskatchewan.
There was a first ministers' meeting last Thursday and Friday. We were expecting the importance of official languages to be on the agenda, but unfortunately, it wasn't. I understand that all kinds of topics are discussed on the sidelines, but the topic was not included on the official agenda.
What do we need? Should the Prime Minister call a first ministers' meeting specifically to discuss this very topic to take stock of the situation?
Groups in a minority situation can't afford to lose any ground. As you said, we always need to move forward. We can't simply tread water; we need to continue swimming, and never stop, which is very tiring.
We have noticed the setbacks. What should our demands be in order to ensure that the situation is resolved? Should we not be calling for more leadership? Of course the situation in Ontario is extremely serious, but there are other similar situations in Canada.
How can we define leadership at the federal level in Canada?