Thank you very much for asking me that question and allowing me to complete my remarks.
You're right in saying that this is a global phenomenon. The issue in Canada is similar to that in Switzerland and Belgium in that French is one of the official languages. Since we're in the minority in Canada, even if you include Quebec, we're at a twofold disadvantage.
The federal government can definitely play a role in this regard. As I said in my first recommendation, it should establish a foundational program to promote research in French across Canada.
Ms. Lapointe-Gagnon discussed the Service d’appui à la recherche en français, which Acfas has developed. I think the federal government could offer its support. The project has received the support of the Power Corporation of Canada, the Government of Quebec and the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie. So all that's missing is federal government support. That would be something very solid.
Second, clear directives must be sent to the various scientific research councils. We've told them on many occasions that not enough projects are submitted in French. Projects in French are no longer solicited, and no effort is being made to raise interest in conducting research in French. However, these councils are funded by the federal government.
Since we have quotas for music in French in Canada, we could also set quotas for research conducted in French in certain sectors. That's obviously harder to do with the science sector, but other things could be set up. There are the standard scientific publications, but there are also all kinds of other publications. Awards could be established for research in French and publication in French.
The Fonds de recherche du Québec awards a prize for publication in French. We're fortunate because the chief scientist of Quebec, Rémi Quirion, who is very much in favour of the Canadian francophonie as a whole, has expanded that competition to include the Canadian francophonie. However, we can't simply wait for Quebec to take the lead in this matter. The federal government must also work together with stakeholders to take on its leadership role.
We can also discuss journals. Journals may be provided with funding, but bilingual journals must also publish in French. The titles of their journals can't be the only thing that appears in French; their content must as well.
As Ms. Lapointe-Gagnon said, we have research stays in other countries, but not in Canada. We could have a program of researchers in residence at French-language universities. When I was regional director of the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie, I developed a program with MITACS and Brazil so the Brazilians could join francophone research teams in Canada. However, I can't do the same thing with all Canadian provinces, I find that somewhat surprising.
Acfas has offices in the regions, and the federal government could provide them with more funding. In some cases, they operate on $3,000 a year. Thus not a lot of money; so it could be increased.
Doctoral and master's-level fellowships could also be established to promote research in French.
I don't know whether you want me to continue.
Ms. Lapointe-Gagnon discussed Canadian francophonie research chairs. I think there's really a…