Mr. Speaker, this week is la Semaine nationale de la Francophonie. It gives me great pleasure as a Canadian and as the member for Winnipeg South to say le fait français is indeed alive and well in both my riding and in North America.
In my riding the descendants of Louis Riel still communicate in their mother tongue. Le Centre culturel de St-Norbert also enriches the cultural tapestry of Winnipeg South.
In recent years thousands of Manitobans have gained an appreciation for the French language and culture by attending French immersion schools.
As we celebrate the French fact in Canada this week, I wish to congratulate all the francophones in my riding, and in Canada, and to extend my best wishes to them.
Initiatives like la Semaine nationale de la Francophonie help to bridge the two solitudes.
Long live the French fact in Canada!