To illustrate how the federal government could show some leadership, I will use the example of the Premier of Quebec, who harshly criticized Premier Ford's decision to make changes to the Office of the Commissioner and to scrap plans to build the Université de l'Ontario français. He has said publicly that he did not understand how anyone could do that or justify that.
This sends Franco-Ontarians a clear message that continuing the fight to preserve their language and their culture is worthwhile, and the person sending it was the Premier of Quebec.
I think it's important that the federal government, the Prime Minister and ministers speak publicly about how critical it is to preserve linguistic minorities in all provinces. They shouldn't hold back. We must not be afraid to point out when a group that is very much in the minority is becoming even smaller. It might be hard for some to accept Canada's unique reality: we are a country with two languages and two cultures, and they both must be able to exist throughout Canada. That needs to be made very clear.
Speaking out on this, loud and clear, can do two things. First, it encourages members of the majority to realize that they do indeed need to become more engaged and take the necessary action. I'm talking a lot about the current situation in Ontario because I want to make sure our government does the right thing.
Second, it could also send the strongest possible message to members of the linguistic minority, telling them that continuing their efforts is worthwhile.