I'm not quite as colourful as Mr. Samson.
I'm originally from Kapuskasing, but I'm the MP for Sudbury, a city about five hours' drive north of Ottawa. People call my city the mining capital of the world because it has nine mines. It also has a university and two colleges. I'm originally from Kapuskasing, which is another five hours' drive north.
I am a member of the fourth generation, and we no longer know our Quebec cousins. We have lived in the north for several generations. We were raised in French. My children studied in French. I taught a tax law course at Laurentian University, also in French.
We live outside Quebec, but we live in French. That is our reality on all counts, from education to health to anything family-related.
Like everyone here on our side, I'm a new MP, and I'm very proud to represent my region.
I would also like to welcome you to Ottawa.