Official Languages committee  I would simply add that it's an idea of national priority that has to be supported.

Official Languages committee  Yes, some of the planned projects, with FedDev Ontario, among others, can put young graduates in the community and in small- and medium-sized businesses. That will enable them to develop strategic planning and marketing skills. The goal is precisely to provide them with tools so that they can become entrepreneurs and contribute to entrepreneurship where they are placed.

Official Languages committee  The Mouvement Desjardins has obviously gotten involved in Ontario. It has undeniably become a partner in the development of SMEs and in economic growth. The movement is a partner in a number of projects in our communities. As a result, it is a source of funding for young entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Official Languages committee  I support that.

Official Languages committee  I agree with Mr. Groulx. We understand that there are programs. At the provincial level, our assembly is making an effort to understand. When we talk with our members, it isn't easy for them to distinguish between a Roadmap program and a program of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Official Languages committee  Not directly, in view of the fact that there are agreements regarding certain envelopes that will subsequently expire. We have our suspicions, but we have had no direct indication regarding the Assemblée de la francophonie. However, the rumour is circulating.

Official Languages committee  The community sector.

Official Languages committee  I would add the same advice to that. If we say that linguistic duality is a cornerstone of our identity, when we prioritize our Roadmap investments, that has to be consistent, again accepting the fact that parliamentarians have a fiscal responsibility. This nevertheless has to be done with firmly-rooted priorities.

Official Languages committee  I'd like to add to that and to provide some actual examples. The investments in the community arts and culture groups in certain regions of the province have resulted in permanent infrastructure being established and the francophone community taking charge of cultural activities that have had an economic impact.

Official Languages committee  I think the most important thing is to ensure that there is a very obvious francophone presence at the ports of entry to Ontario through signage and staff on duty. Upon entry, from an immigrant's first step in Pearson airport, McDonald-Cartier airport or Windsor, regardless of the point of entry where there is an Immigration Canada office, there should be bilingual staff who know the network and community access to services in French.

Official Languages committee  The Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario has a large contingent of seniors. So it is important for them that we provide cultural group activities. Our seniors were builders who, more often than not, had to wage battles for their language and to obtain their services. They are bequeathing a number of services, institutions and community centres to young people, and to our generation in Ontario.

Official Languages committee  Yes, they match up well. We've also taken that into account.

Official Languages committee  That's undeniably the case.

Official Languages committee  We're talking about activities. This major component comprises five courses of action. We want to expand the francophone space. Once again, the objective is for the francophones and young francophones of our community to consider that speaking French and requesting services in French adds value.

Official Languages committee  So we must expand the francophone community in all regions of Ontario. That's obvious; it's being done. There are concrete examples, such as the monuments to the francophonie which promote that. French-language health centres, cultural and community centres and francophone legal clinics have been established.