Our view is that Bill C‑13 is a good bill, but that it requires the clarifications that we are requesting. These are the six basic amendments that would do more to protect French-language minority communities in Canada. We believe that it's essential for the six amendments to be included in the bill. We think that they will make the bill stronger.
We are recommending a central agency that has an overview of the act's implementation, and we have been requesting this for years. We are proposing francophone immigration to enable us to restore the demographic weight in our communities. We are proposing a commissioner who has the tools needed to require remedies. We want meaningful positive measures that will strengthen our communities. What we don't want is a telephone call from a federal institution telling us that they've consulted us, but that does nothing to change a department's programs or policies.
The communities are asking for all these things, and they have been appearing before this committee for a long time to argue their case.
I trust that our message will be heard and that Bill C‑13 will go some way towards providing us with an act that has the teeth needed to protect French for future generations.