Yes I am, Mr. Chair.
I think consistency is important. We're not playing politics; we've always been open about our position, and we've always been very clear. There is a significant consensus. The Government of Quebec is doing its part, and so are we, and our actions often line up. We don't systematically vote with another party. I think it's important to stand by your convictions. Up until recently, we were being told that other members would support this proposal, so it's disappointing to see them going back on their word.
Amendment BQ‑65 proposes that Bill C‑13, in clause 54, be amended by replacing lines 7 to 21 on page 41 with the following, in part:Quebec's Charter of the French language applies in its entirety to every federally regulated private business in Quebec instead of this Act.
This amendment was suggested by the Government of Quebec. The Bloc Québécois intends to do everything in its power to push for as much progress as possible under this federal language law, because the existing version is hurting French in Quebec and is probably the main factor driving the anglicization of Quebec. Our language is a crucial defining feature of the Quebec people and the Quebec nation. We want Quebec to maximize its gains, and we will continue in the same vein. Essentially, this amendment seeks to apply the Charter of the French Language to federally reguated businesses.
As we know, improvements are going to be made to the bill, and we will support them. That said, what's being proposed is disappointing for Quebeckers. Even though it will allow for some progress to be made, it's nowhere near equivalent to what we're proposing. It's a step in the right direction, but it's not what the vast majority of Quebeckers wanted.