Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay tribute to my colleague, the member for Repentigny, who today will be made a member of the Ordre de la Pléiade by the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie.
The Pléiade is awarded in recognition of those who have contributed to the vitality of French language and culture, which our colleague has done so well.
A dedicated teacher and history buff, he has always believed in defending the French fact in North America, a cherished goal of Quebeckers which goes right to the heart of their identity.
As the Bloc Quebecois' critic on official languages, he staunchly defends the interests of the francophone community outside Quebec.
On behalf of my colleagues from the Bloc Quebecois, I would like to congratulate the member for Repentigny on his prestigious appointment as a chevalier de l'Ordre de la Pléiade.