Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question, Montrealer to Montrealer.

The government is committed to protecting and defending the rights of official language minority communities across the country, including English-speaking Quebecers. The Prime Minister has been very clear about his respect for the jurisdiction of provinces in these matters and, at the same time, his serious concerns about the way in which legislation is drafted and, indeed, protected against constitutional challenge. I have every confidence that the government will do the right thing.

I would like to highlight that, within federal jurisdiction, the reforms proposed in Bill C-13, which is in the other house, maintain the rights and protections afforded to Quebec’s English-speaking minority.

The government will continue to support the community and their organizations financially. The government will continue to protect the Court Challenges Program to help the community defend their rights in front of the courts, and will continue to help the community strengthen its institutions to maintain and preserve the vitality of our community.