Official Languages committee  Thank you for your question. I believe that the federal government would be well advised to work with institutions and French-language institutions in minority communities, and with Quebec institutions, to do something about these integration and approval issues. Work with us.

Official Languages committee  Thank you for asking that question. Naturally, I believe that investing in our French-language postsecondary institutions, which are governed on the "by and for" model, will ultimately lead to better results. An institution developed on the basis of the French fact will be in a better position to generate educational success and integration, whether for Canadian citizens or economic immigrants.

Official Languages committee  Excuse me, but I would say that having someone settle in Sudbury, Caraquet or Rouyn-Noranda is less expensive than in Toronto or Ottawa.

Official Languages committee  May I humbly suggest that in regions like northern Ontario, the hosting capacity is nevertheless much larger than the number of people they are attracting. It's not really a question of capacity here, but rather of promoting the options we would be able to offer in northern Ontario, and not just in northern Ontario.

Official Languages committee  The population is declining in northern Ontario. The average age is very high. We have a lot of catching up to do to replace the population because of the exodus of young people to urban centres who leave for better opportunities and for postsecondary studies. That's why a strategy is needed specifically for the regions.

Official Languages committee  For us, it's clear that French-language postsecondary institutions are in the best position to ensure success for a variety of individuals, whether or not they are immigrants, and to integrate them, as part of the French fact, into a dynamic economy. I believe that the federal government has to do some thinking about how to equip regional institutions so that they can achieve their full potential.

Official Languages committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I'd like to begin by thanking the Standing Committee on Official Languages for the privilege of appearing here today to discuss the important issue of francophone immigration in Canada and Quebec. I'd like to talk about three points today in my presentation.