Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Let me say that I am somewhat disappointed with the answer, but I will not hold that against you. Employees of the federal state, of agencies, crown corporations or departments who live in this region, in Gatineau, are telling me that they have to do their work in English because otherwise, some things could not be communicated as easily. This is due to the fact that some people do not understand French. This is the situation, once we get inside the organization. No one can make me believe the opposite. I hear such comments fairly regularly. I am also told that some senior officials in the federal apparatus do not speak French or are not able to communicate adequately in French. This is also a major problem. Should we shed more light on it?
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, let me tell you a joke about two senior federal officials. The one says to the other: "Hi, how do you do? How was your weekend?" And the other answers "My weekend was very good." And then one of the two says: "Now, let us speak French because that must remain as a secret between the two of us." The comedy troupe Les cyniques were telling this joke 40 years ago. I find that this joke is all too real in the federal structure. I am submitting it to you for reflection, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you.