Mr. Speaker, linguistic duality is a value deeply rooted in all regions of the country. It is a value fundamental to Canadian unity. 1999 is the Year of the Francophonie in Canada. From sea to sea, we are celebrating the contribution made by millions of French-speaking Canadians to our country.
I am proud that Canada's first francophone games will be held in my riding of Memramcook from August 9 to 22. I congratulate the inhabitants of Memramcook and urge all Canadians to come to the games and pay a visit to the heart of Acadia.
Southeastern New Brunswick will also play host to francophones from around the world at the Sommet international de la Francophonie to be held in Moncton in September.
In this Year of the Francophonie, the NDP hopes that one of the first things the government will do to demonstrate its commitment to francophone communities will be to respect the Official Languages Act.
On RDI this morning, journalist Rosaire L'Italien received only an English copy of the kit announcing the year of the Francophonie. How are we to take this government seriously?