Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking the citizens of Montmorency—Charlevoix for placing their trust in the Conservative Party and in me for this 45th Parliament. I will meet this challenge with respect, as well as with profound dedication.
The government's Speech from the Throne is a nearly 30-page document that is supposed to define the priorities of the Canadian government, yet it contains but one mention of the French language and Quebec culture. There is only one reference, nothing more. There were no major commitments whatsoever.
Meanwhile, the decline of French throughout the province of Quebec and across the country is very real. It is picking up speed in the workplace. It is disappearing from government offices. Francophone civil servants are telling us how difficult it is for them to express themselves in French.
Despite this brief mention in the Speech from the Throne, there are no concrete measures to ensure that French will be protected in Canada. The town of Château-Richer, in my riding, was home to the first French colony. It led to the creation of the Canada we know today.
Let me be clear: The Conservatives believe in the French language. We have advocated for it for a long time. We want to promote it, and we want to protect it.
When the Prime Minister met with Donald Trump in the Oval Office, what guarantees did he get that our French language will never be on the table, not now and not ever? Did he merely talk about it?