First, we welcome this first step. We're satisfied with it and we're involved in this panel. However, we can already see the need to take things a step further. All our colleagues across the country must understand that 22% to 23% of Canada's population speaks French. To maintain the same standard of living, we must be able to pursue science in French as well. In this respect, the structural inequity between the English‑speaking and French‑speaking communities across the country poses a major economic issue. In order to generate a satisfactory return, francophones across the country must expend 30% to 40% more energy to carve out a place for themselves in English‑speaking circles and to publish in English. This comes at an economic cost when resources can be put in place to boost science in French.
The other point to consider is that an equivalent science in the country's two main cultures opens up other horizons for Canada on the international stage. These horizons are currently scientifically under‑exploited by the Canadian government. There could be greater commitments. This would encourage granting agencies to ask the following types of questions. How can funding be allocated to ensure a fair representation of the French fact and of scientific activity in the French language? This is a key question.