The Importance of Bilingualism

Bilingualism is just as important to Canadian culture and our country's identity as hockey and maple syrup. But, languages have never been my strength and I've always struggled with learning French.

This past year, I've spent a couple hours a week, one on one, with a French instructor. Progress has been slow, but I've improved and I'm proud to be working toward functional fluency, and getting more confident every day.

Working in both languages presents a challenge for anglo-MPs like me, but it also presents an opportunity for growth, and to develop fully as a Canadian.

The idea of standing up in the House and speaking French for a minute was pretty daunting, but since we are virtual for the time being - I was able to do it from home this week.

I took the opportunity to thank teachers and French instructors, as it's "la semaine des enseignants au Québec" - Teacher's Week. But I also thanked our amazing parliamentary interpreters and translators for enabling us to work effectively in both official languages.

I also took the time to acknowledge the enormous contributions and successes of Franco-Canadians in the Black community, as it is Black History Month.

I made some mistakes, but that's part of learning!

WATCH MY STATEMENT HERE: https://www.facebook.com/AdamvanKoeverden/videos/438913273994373