Good afternoon, everyone. I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 15 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Official Languages.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. Members are attending in person or using the Zoom application.
Given the ongoing pandemic situation and in light of the recommendations from health authorities to remain healthy and safe, all those attending the meeting in person should follow the directives of the Board of Internal Economy.
I thank members in advance for their cooperation.
When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly, as I am doing.
For those participating by videoconference, please click on the microphone icon to unmute your mike. When not speaking, your mike should be on mute.
As regards interpretation, those of you who are on Zoom have the choice at the bottom of your screen of either Floor, English or French.
Those in the room may use your headset and select the desired channel.
Should any technical challenges arise, please advise me, and please note that in the case of technical challenges, we may need to suspend for a few minutes, as we need to ensure that all members are able to participate fully.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(f) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, January 31, 2022, the committee is resuming its study on francophone immigration to Canada and Quebec.
I would now like to welcome our witnesses.
I apologize for my throaty Gerry Boulet-like voice. I'll try not to sneeze or sniffle near the microphone. I wanted to chair the meeting all the same.
In the first hour, we have Charles Castonguay, retired professor of mathematics and statistics.
We also have Alexandre Cédric Doucet, president of the Acadian Society of New Brunswick, and Ali Chaisson, its executive Director.
Liane Roy, president of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada, and Alain Dupuis, its executive director, are also present.
Lastly, from the Société nationale de l'Acadie, we have Martin Théberge, president, and Véronique Mallet, executive director.
Each of the organizations will have five minutes for opening remarks, after which we will proceed with a period of questions from the members of the Standing Committee on Official Languages. I will signal to you when you have about one minute left.
And with that, I give the floor to Mr. Castonguay for five minutes.