Merci, Monsieur le President. I rise today to speak on the importance of learning new languages and how language learning connects us to our culture and heritage and is kept alive by the hard work of dedicated community members who promote and preserve language-learning in our communities. Although there are many different organizations devoted to language promotion in the Northwest Territories, I want to take the time today to recognize the NWT branch for Canadian Parents for French and the many volunteers who support the organization.

I first learned about Canadian Parents for French, or CPF, when I was looking for extracurricular activities in French for my son, who I am proud to say is enrolled in a French-immersion program and is well on his way to fluency in both English and French. I was so impressed with the quality of the CPF programs that I immediately joined the organization and continue to support their important work in the NWT.

Canadian Parents for French [Translation] is dedicated to the promotion of learning of French as a second language for young Canadians. In 1977, Keith Spicer was the Official Languages Commissioner for Canada. He was interested by the bilingualism of young Canadians. He met parents across the country who wanted that their children would learn a second language. This small group, originally started with parents, became a national network made up of 10 chapters and 150 sections all over the country. Over the past four years, local chapters in the Northwest Territories have already consulted with groups and native governments for developed strategies and to ensure the preservation and teaching of other official languages.

Mr. Speaker, the ability to speak several languages or any language gives our young people a competitive advantage to help them find work and to find new friends who come from different cultures. This ability to speak several languages also gives a different perspective on the world, how an individual understands definitions and complex situations. That is to say, the ability to think, to express yourself, and to feel the feelings of other individuals gives unlimited advantages. [Translation ends]

Language is, without a doubt, an important part of shaping individual and community identity. With 11 official languages, each one unique and priceless its value to our Northern heritage, keeping language-learning strong is so important in achieving that goal. It is thanks to organizations like Canadian Parents for French that we can ensure future generations will continue to reap the benefits of speaking more than one language. I want to express my personal gratitude for this wonderful organization and the volunteers who work hard to make it a continued success. Merci, Monsieur le President.