Mr. Speaker, last Saturday, at Maisonnette des parents, we celebrated the newly acquired citizenship of nearly 200 people in Rosemont—La Petite‑Patrie. It was a time for sharing and discussion. It was an opportunity to learn more about each person's background, their reasons for coming to Quebec, their language learning, their family situation, their job, their education and the administrative nonsense that they had to deal with. It is touching to see the tremendous efforts that these people are making to learn French, integrate and participate in their new community.
We have been holding these get-togethers for years, but, lately, these people have been bringing up new questions. They want to know why political parties and commentators are badmouthing them, why some people are pointing the finger at immigrants and blaming them for the housing, school and health care crises. They are wondering why some people are being discriminated against because of their clothing and they are wondering whether they are truly welcome here.
As parliamentarians, we have a responsibility to recognize the contributions that immigrants make to our society, to defend their rights and to build an inclusive society where everyone has their place.