Official Languages committee  You're right that francophone immigration plays an extremely important role. In fact, the Quebec government is aiming to increase the percentage of francophone immigrants. At the same time, it ties in with what I said earlier. I may have been referring to the other provinces whe

Official Languages committee  What I would say is that francophone immigration can help slow the decline of French, but as long as francophones are being anglicized, francophone immigrants will be affected—it's inevitable. Yes, francophone immigration will slow the decline of French, but if you want to stop—

Official Languages committee  I'm glad you mentioned that I've appeared before the committee before. The questions I was asked by the committee previously prompted me to provide more clarity on where I stand—or at least, I tried to. I really see this as a meaningful and productive exercise. The last time I w

Official Languages committee  You certainly raise an interesting point. It's always important to be clear when discussing the right to self-determination. On one hand is the right to external self-determination, which is basically akin to secession. On the other is the right to internal self-determination, t

Official Languages committee  We must never lose sight of the fact that the federal Official Languages Act regime is based more on the personality principle, which doesn't ensure the survival of a vulnerable language like French. In contrast, the Quebec regime is based more on the territoriality principle. T

Official Languages committee  As a jurist, and especially as a civilist, I definitely prefer it when things are well codified, the rules are clear and judges are given a little less leeway. As a result, I would tend to be even more specific and even more demanding where immigration policy is concerned. While

Official Languages committee  I admit, I don't have it before me.

Official Languages committee  Federal-provincial agreements, which you discussed earlier with Mr. Théberge, are really important. Having said that, I think asymmetry is the right approach. Yes, it's important that the federal government step in and that there be language clauses in the agreements between the

Official Languages committee  Thank you for the question. Generally speaking, I'm pretty much in favour of having more things in the act, because it allows for broader democratic debate, consultation and so forth. I see the flexibility that comes with passing regulations, but Bill C‑13 clearly places some a

Official Languages committee  With respect to immigration, there are two things, actually. The more elements we have in the law and the clearer the requirements are in the law, the more likely it is that the goals will be achieved, particularly in terms of Parliament's role. Francophone immigration is certai

Official Languages committee  First of all, it's a question of transparency and near-participatory democracy, because although there are some consultations, regulatory power is much more limited. The parliamentary process is much more open in terms of consultations. We're seeing that today: we have experts,

Official Languages committee  Yes, that is correct. In addition, we must never forget that if French is doing well in Quebec, that will have an effect outside the province. Plays and films created in Quebec become cultural products to which francophones in the other provinces also have access. As well, for f

Official Languages committee  Bill C‑13 contains some promising things in terms of territoriality, such as the Use of French and Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act, insofar as it would apply in francophone regions outside Quebec and would not replace the Charter of the French Language, or Bill 101, in

Official Languages committee  Right now, the federal government funds many anglophone advocacy groups in Quebec and francophone advocacy groups in the other provinces. These should continue to be funded, but so should many more francophone advocacy groups in Quebec. That's what needs to change. It's one of th

Official Languages committee  Yes, you are entirely correct. I think you are talking about the case brought by Ballantyne and Davidson. In its decision, the United Nations Human Rights Committee clearly said that the relevant entity in international law is the sovereign country, that is, Canada. Anglophones