Madam Speaker, they have my unfailing friendship.
There are several types of francophone solidarity. In fact, there are four. There is international solidarity, represented by the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, a leading institution. At the other extreme, there is Quebec, which has a will of its own.
I think that the best thing that could happen to other North American francophones would be a sovereign Quebec. Quebec would be strong and a hub for the francophonie. This takes nothing away from others’ choices. That is how we can become best friends with francophones outside Quebec, with whom we have often expressed our solidarity.
At the continental level, to which the hon. member is referring, we are already working to create sustainable, friendly ties with all North American francophones, without institutional constraints. However, the pandemic has slowed us down considerably.