Official Languages committee  I think English-speaking artists in Quebec face a lot of the same issues that any other English-speaking community would. Again, many people in the Canadian artist community do choose to come to Quebec because it is a province that celebrates its culture and arts. However, once you are within the community, there is a very strong majority of francophone artists.

Official Languages committee  Yes, because I have more notes.

Official Languages committee  Okay. Unfortunately, English speakers in Quebec are the only official language minority community in the country with a provincial government legislating against them using their language. This is a very clear difference. This is a recent difference, but one that I think needs to be considered.

Official Languages committee  Yes. We are a community that is facing great challenges coming, and in Bill C-13 I would like to encourage that those.... I recognize that federal legislation is not where provincial language politics should be played out, but I encourage you to keep them in mind when you are reviewing the language and to make sure that the English-speaking community of Quebec is included in a balanced way.

Official Languages committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you for inviting me. I'm going to be addressing the room in English today. However, I will be able to answer your questions in French or English. My name is Vanessa Herrick, and I'm the executive director of the English Language Arts Network. We're a not-for-profit organization that connects, supports and creates opportunities for English-speaking artists and cultural workers of all disciplines in every region of Quebec.