Official Languages committee  With regard to the survival of the francophone community, we really see ourselves as an asset. We are see ourselves as something special that reinforces the fabric of Canadian citizenship. We do not see ourselves as a minority community, but rather as a community that happens to

Official Languages committee  The community created a round table to make proposals to Canadian Heritage's regional office. This is where decisions about the ultimate allocation of funding is made. Last year was the first time. We are working to improve the communication process.

Official Languages committee  No. We make a proposal to Canadian Heritage, and its officers make the decisions. I know that there are concerns and I am trying to be politically correct. There is truth and there is reality. In fact, we are working hard with the structures currently in place, but we would like

Official Languages committee  No.

Official Languages committee  If I may begin with a comment, I will mention the recent statement by the government on the status of Quebeckers as a nation. I don't have a problem with Quebec identity; Quebeckers believe that they form a people. For some 10 or 11 months now, we have been waiting for the curre

Official Languages committee  I have no problem answering that question. Ultimately, francophone communities often resort to using the courts. The courts are often their only tool, and often, we challenge the provincial government. The goal is not to identify whether legislation is constitutional or unconstit

Official Languages committee  I want to make two comments. The first concerns the Saint-Thomas Health Centre. This is a $24 million project. There is a $1.2 million shortfall, and we are still waiting. The only contribution from the federal government would be $1.2 million. Our concern with regard to program

Official Languages committee  To come back to your question, without providing you with the solution, the community may identify solutions for you on the ground. We need to be seen as partners in development, intake and settlement.

Official Languages committee  Quite simply, the FCAA, which speaks on behalf of the community, has established strategies for the purposes of consulting the community, community forums and so on. We review our plans, strategies and priorities on a yearly basis in order to ensure that we are on the right path.

Official Languages committee  I support that. Our greatest challenge involves infrastructure. We're sent from one department to another and all we get in return is frustration. You said that it takes 10 years to complete a project, but sometimes it's more. We face significant challenges. I absolutely suppor

Official Languages committee  In fact, that would comply with the new Official Languages Act, if I have understood correctly.

Official Languages committee  In our community, we do all the planning work and we identify certain priorities. The federal government or its officials do not necessarily respect those priorities. This has to stop.

Official Languages committee  First, we view this migration towards Alberta as a huge responsibility that the francophone community has been in entrusted with. That huge responsibility lies in being very fair in our reception and integration of these people. However, there are problems emerging: these people

Official Languages committee  Our challenge lies precisely in meeting that need. I could talk about another institution—

Official Languages committee  We propose working with the federal government and the Government of Alberta in order to find strategies focused on developing small rural communities such as Plamondon, which is only a two-hour drive from Fort McMurray. That is just one example of a nice community that could gro