Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise in this House today to draw attention to la Semaine de la Francophonie. This is a time to realize the important role played by the French language and culture as a basic element of our collective identity.
As a Franco-Ontarian myself, I have always vigorously defended the rights of francophone minorities, because I believe it is possible for us to develop wherever we are in Canada.
In a spirit of co-operation and solidarity, we, francophones, are proud of our language and culture, and we would like to strengthen our sense of belonging to the Francophonie.
I wish to salute and thank the francophone institutions and associations which, through their achievements, have greatly contributed to the French language being taught and used in the education, socio-cultural and institutional sectors, both nationally and internationally.
I wish all francophones from coast to coast-