Madam Chair, I thank my colleague.
He just set the stage for my question. First, I would like to correct certain facts. The federal court challenges program was originally used by francophone minorities throughout the federation to uphold their rights. I think it is very important to remind members of that.
I think it is too bad to hear my Bloc Québécois colleague say that immigrants are not interested in learning French. I am shocked by the statement he just made.
Both the Government of Quebec and the federal government have made it hard for new immigrants, especially those who do not yet have permanent status, to access free French classes. I believe that instead of imposing restrictive or punitive measures, especially towards refugees whom we need to take in because they are fleeing war zones and prejudice, we must do the opposite and improve access to French classes.
It is unbelievable coming from the Bloc Québécois.