Good morning, everyone. Welcome and thank you for being here. My name is Bernard Généreux and I am the member for Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup. For those who are familiar with Quebec, I would add that this riding is located south of the St. Lawrence, a little east of Quebec, towards New Brunswick.
Ms. Nolette, do not be offended if I do not ask everyone questions. We only have six minutes each.
Ms. Nolette and I have something in common since the Campus de Saint-Jean has had an agreement with the Collège de Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière for decades. Many francophile anglophones have been coming to study French in La Pocatière for a very long time. In fact, I know Mr. Fortin, who was one of the champions of this trend and who still lives in Rivière-Ouelle, my home town in a way.
Yesterday, we were in Vancouver. British Columbia does not have legislation implementing an agreement with francophones. The fact that they are not recognized is a major impediment to all services and to their relationship with the province. My understanding is that, here in Alberta, it appeared one year or two years ago—someone can tell me. So it's relatively new.
Are you already seeing a difference in the relationship between the province and all the groups you represent with respect to the legislation that was implemented here in Alberta? If so, what does it look like?
We know that the needs of the francophone community in Canada are significant. We have seen it elsewhere. In fact, the witnesses who came to Ottawa for some of our other studies, from various sectors, all told us that the needs were tremendous and that you did not have the means to address them.
Ms. Lessard, does the implementation of new legislation by the province make it easier for you?