I am a francophone from New Brunswick. I come from Madawaska—Restigouche. Our friends from Quebec teach us that francophones outside Quebec have a minority complex. When we go to France or Quebec, some of us are embarrassed to speak French. Witnesses from British Columbia actually talked about that. It’s a fact: we have a minority complex.
But things are changing. For example, when Mr. Vandal addresses the national caucus as chair of the Liberal indigenous caucus, he speaks in English and French. Robert-Falcon Ouellette does the same, as do Mr. Samson, and Mr. Arseneault. Others do as well. It is incredible. But the fact remains that the minority complex is alive and well. It’s all about feeling comfortable speaking the language.
In your opinion, is it important for learning in French to be provided to students from an early age, to ensure that, at elementary school, and in the secondary and post-secondary studies that follow, they will be interested in continuing their education in French?