Mr. Speaker, today the leader of the Bloc Quebecois will be made chevalier de l'Ordre de la Pléiade, a distinction awarded by the Assemblée parlementaire de la francophonie.
The hon. member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie is the living incarnation of modern Quebec francophonie. He has always been an staunch promoter of the public use of French in Quebec, in Canada and in the world.
The leader of the Bloc Quebecois reconciles in a completely natural manner his Irish origins and the French language, and is equally at home with the green of Ireland and the French language.
With his passion for history, he is well aware of the path French has taken in North America over the past centuries, and of the obstacles it has encountered. This is why he shows no hesitation in challenging preconceived ideas on language and on other issues crucial to the Quebec of today.
He knows that French as a language of culture, of science and of commerce constitutes the cement of Quebec society, a society that is more open, stronger, more vigorous than ever.
Bravo to the hon. member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie, leader of the Bloc Quebecois, for this well-deserved award, which reflects glory on all of Quebec.