Like Canadians in general, francophones are increasingly urbanizing. Unfortunately, it's a fact. Many of our francophone regions are also experiencing some decline. Francophones are in the cities. We are increasingly expanding the range of services and the number of francophone institutions in major cities.
If we look only at a large expanse of territory and apply the 20% criterion, that's where what Canadian Heritage proposes does not adequately capture urban realities. If we add the capitals and certain key communities, such as Halifax and Toronto, which are notably immigrant cities, it allows us to track demographic trends as well, which, whether we like it or not, are moving towards urbanization.
We use the same criteria, the threshold of 20%. We're not exaggerating, either. We're keeping the 20% threshold, but reducing the area still allows us to capture neighbourhoods, have a branch in the area, and perhaps also encourage francophones to settle in certain urban areas so that they can also help foster some vitality in the public space. This is a good thing that aligns with all the sociodemographic and linguistic studies that look at minority francophone areas.