Madam Chair, we can indeed debate and discuss other political parties’ interest in the issue of the French language.
There are some who see it as a temporary political issue to be disposed of as soon as possible, because it is a hot potato. This would be on par with wage subsidies being claimed by political parties, or perhaps vaccines that will be available later in Quebec and Canada than elsewhere. It is one of a long list of topics. We could talk about judicial appointments or the Prime Minister’s family. There are lots of topics. There are many more topics under the rug than on it.
Of course, we cannot expect enthusiasm from the members on the other side. This is especially true since a large majority of the Liberal members are not from Quebec, and it is harder to get them to make grandiose declarations of love for Quebec. I imagine that the Leader of the Government is exerting considerable pressure to find a few who will not end up putting their foot in their mouth to be able to do that.
I do know some members, both Liberal and Conservative, whose attachment to the French language is very sincere; I am sure of it. It is just a question of numbers and critical mass. In the Liberal Party, the numbers and critical mass do not allow it to be anything more than a passing fad in that caucus.