I'd like to raise another topic. I realize that if we consider our mandate in a somewhat broader way it could also be our role to promote a bilingual Canada. Let me explain.
In the past, I was the Secretary of State responsible for the Francophonie. At the time, I remember being struck by something. I realized that a lot of Americans speak French or define themselves as francophiles.
A few years ago I asked someone to do a study or prepare a report on the number of francophones or francophiles on the other side of the border, in the United States. I was told that there were almost 10 million francophones or francophiles in the United States. So there are more than in Canada. Often, these people feel isolated.
If we wanted at a certain point to play a somewhat broader role, we could extend this recognition of a bilingual Canada to the other side of the border. Perhaps it could help the francophone communities that are a bit lost over there. I am just mentioning this in passing.
The same is true at the UN. Canada is bilingual. We can only hope that our delegation at the UN uses both of Canada's official languages. I think that this would be well received by the new ambassador, who is of francophone extraction.
It may be important to promote the value of Canadian linguistic duality both here and elsewhere. That was simply an aside.
Bernard, you have the floor.