Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship  Mr. Speaker, we realize that decisions on immigration cases can have a profound effect on the lives of individuals. Every case must be assessed on its merits, fairly, and in accordance with Canada's laws. Every case is unique and is evaluated according to the individual circumstances.

Holiday Greetings  Madam Speaker, it has been quite a year, and the people of Hochelaga have shown exceptional resilience in 2020. This holiday season, I encourage everyone to give back, whether by donating to food banks or by volunteering. I encourage everyone to buy their presents from small local businesses, to thank all those who work in our health care system and in essential services, who are on the front lines of this crisis, and to protect their loved ones and themselves by continuing to follow public health rules.

Women's Rights  Mr. Speaker, I am a little surprised to see how the Conservatives have been trying to rebuild their image with women over the past few weeks. It will take more than just words to convince us women. I would like to remind the House of certain facts. When we introduced a bill on equal pay, the Conservatives voted against it.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship  Madam Speaker, the pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of our lives Local restrictions have resulted in the closure of many international visa centres, but Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's processing centres have remained open. We are continuing to increase capacity while respecting public health guidelines.

Hochelaga  Madam Speaker, Hochelaga is at the heart of Montreal East. This vast part of Montreal has a long industrial past. Several million square feet of land are contaminated, and there is a desperate need for transportation infrastructure. However, we in the east end strongly believe that this area is a hub for future economic, social and environmental development, the kind of development that acknowledges the importance of fighting climate change.

Status of the French Language in Montreal  Madam Chair, like my colleague from Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, I am also rather surprised by what the member for La Pointe-de-l'Île said. I would like to quote the 2016 Samson report, which states that the decrease in French integration in Quebec is not attributable to a lack of interest in the French language on the part of immigrants or a lack of dedication on the part of those helping immigrants to learn French but to a lack of resources for French integration.

Status of the French Language in Montreal  Madam Chair, I thank my colleague and riding neighbour for his question. I have always said that I was a child of Bill 101. It is because of Bill 101 that I, as an immigrant, speak French today. Our government will continue to promote and protect the French language.

Status of the French Language in Montreal  Madam Chair, I thank my colleague for his question. We are indeed neighbours, and our Montreal ridings each include a portion of the eastern part of Rosemont. Interestingly, the 2016 Samson report concluded that a course correction was needed to strengthen the position of French as Quebec's common tongue, beginning with enhanced measures to help those who choose to come live here learn the language.

Status of the French Language in Montreal  Madam Chair, I thank my opposition colleague for his question. I would like to remind members that French is protected not just by one measure but by a series of measures. Over the past five years, our government has been working to protect French in Quebec, and we will continue to do so.

Status of the French Language in Montreal  Madam Chair, I thank my colleague for her question. One of the most important things is that for the first time, in the plan for immigration levels, there is a specific line for francophone immigration. This demonstrates the importance of maintaining the proportion of francophones across the country.

Status of the French Language in Montreal  Madam Chair, can I excuse myself on the grounds that I am new here? There is no single solution, no small action we can take. A whole series of measures is needed, and those measures will require all of us to really want to protect French. For the first time, the federal government is recognizing that there is a minority in Canada and North America: the francophone community.

Status of the French Language in Montreal  Madam Chair, it is my turn to thank the House for the opportunity to speak in this important debate. I join my hon. colleagues in this debate on the status of the French language in Quebec and our government's commitment to protecting and promoting the French language. Anyone who knows me knows that even though I was not born here, I am a Montrealer and Quebecker through and through.

Official Languages  Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question. Our government is proud to defend the French language. I am a proud Quebecker who stands up for francophone values in Quebec. We are working on concrete measures to support the French language and further support francophone immigration.

Official Languages  Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question. As I said yesterday in my initial comments on the bill introduced by the Bloc, I myself am an immigrant, a child of Bill 101, and a Canadian citizen who did not speak French when she became a Canadian citizen. What matters is offering French language courses, providing support and welcoming immigrants to our country.

Official Languages  Madam Speaker, the government believes that all newcomers, including francophone immigrants, contribute to Canada's vitality. To attract francophone newcomers, the minister announced on October 27 that French-speaking and bilingual candidates will receive additional points under the express entry system.