Madam Speaker, tomorrow, March 21, 1995, Canadians and Quebecers celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. As pointed out by the Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women, this event coincides with la Semaine internationale de la Francophonie.
It is therefore a time to think about this social and cultural dimension of our individual and collective lives. Quebec and Canada are societies in a state of flux that are facing many challenges. One that is of particular interest to us in this House is the contribution of immigrants and their participation in the development of our social fabric.
However, there are two visions of Canadian society: The Canadian vision that favours unity in diversity, and the Quebec vision that favours integration while respecting cultural differences. These two opposing social concepts are based on two different political visions of our world. In Quebec, since the initial Quebec-Canada agreements on immigration, the linguistic and economic integration of newcomers in the host society has been an imperative for the development and growth of the majority culture, in other words, the French-speaking majority. The very survival of our culture, the cultural heritage we received from our ancestors, is at stake.
In Canada, multiculturalism has been repeatedly analysed, criticized and challenged, especially in recent years. I may recall that this policy, which was intended to impose a political vision of Canada instead of reflecting the place that cultural communities occupy in Canada, was developed at a time when Quebec nationalism had reached a decisive turning point in its history.
It was an attempt to diminish the position of Quebec within Canada by relegating to the past the concept of two founding peoples and two dominant cultures. That is why multiculturalism never took root in Quebec, despite the claims of the present federal government and its Prime Minister.
We could quote, on this point, a letter by the former Premier of Quebec, Mr. Robert Bourassa, who said in 1971, replying to Mr. Trudeau on the question of multiculturalism: "The document tabled in the House dissociates culture and language-Quebec does not agree with your government's approach on the concept of multiculturalism. That notion hardly seems compatible with Quebec's reality where there is one predominant presence of a French language and French culture majority and an important minority of English language and culture among many other minorities".
Mr. Bourassa ended his letter by stressing the fact that the role of the Premier of Quebec was to ensure that the French culture would radiate within North America and that he intended to go on doing just that, with all he had available to him, while respecting others.
However, we do believe that the integration of communities into the common public culture of Quebec does have a positive impact on racism and intolerance.
This position was supported in Quebec yesterday during the opening ceremony for the Semaine de la Francophonie, when the president of the Maison internationale de Québec, Mr. Augustin Raharolahy, who immigrated to Quebec 20 years ago, said: "Mastering a language is central to the integration process and is a prerequisite for a full participation in the economical, social and political life. Furthermore, it also gives a feeling of ownership in our society. Mastering the French language as a common language is fundamental, but it does not mean linguistic and cultural assimilation". He then concluded by saying that: "A common language, the French language, solidarity, and the pride of being a Quebecer are the strengths with which we can build a country, a modern society".
One can hardly find a better description for Quebec's policy and reality. However, like all other nations, Quebecers and Canadians must increase their efforts in order to fight against racial intolerance and all the prejudices that invariably come with it.
The fight is a constant one, but a victory against racism would result in a better quality of life for future generations.