I'm very aware that some people are anxious to speak. I'm not going to go on for very long. I'll conclude my remarks shortly.
My goal isn't just to talk, but to talk about important things. In my opinion, it's important that this discussion on the importance of French and the fact that French is essential be recorded in the testimony. I want to focus on the Conservative Party, especially its leaders, because one can be a member of Parliament, but often it's the leader who gives the direction to follow.
I mentioned Prime Minister Macdonald and Prime Minister Mulroney. Now I'm talking about Mr. Harper. Then I'll conclude with another person, who I hope will be the next Prime Minister. There you go.
Mr. Harper recognized the importance of Quebec's distinct identity. It's interesting to note that Brian Mulroney made great efforts to have Quebec sign the Charter and be recognized as a distinct society. For his part, Mr. Harper proclaimed the distinct character of Quebec society and recognized Quebec as a nation within Canada. At that time, it was really important. Even though Mr. Harper came from a region of Ontario and later became a member of Parliament from Alberta, he knew and recognized that linguistic duality was fundamental to the Canadian identity. It has worked to ensure that federal institutions respect both official languages. He also led initiatives to support francophone communities outside Quebec, including educational programs that promote the learning of French. This was particularly important for francophone communities in Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba and British Columbia.
I was a teacher at the time. My students and I benefited from visits to Quebec. I talked a little bit about that. We received grants from the government through the Contribution de vie étudiante et de campus and the vision of the Canadian francophonie. That funding was very helpful to us. We saw that in the past.
Mr. Chair, I'd now like to yield the floor to the next person on the list, with your permission, of course.