Where did your desire and interest in participating in public life come from?
Being involved with different associations has been a fundamental aspect of my personal and professional life since I was a teenager. The activities I participated in in school and university environments distinguished themselves through their dynamism and diversity. I realized at a very young age that together we can make a difference in a community.
In your opinion, what is the most important public policy issue currently facing Canada?
Canada is currently facing a number of public policy issues, and I can’t limit myself to a single one.
Canada has to do more to stimulate innovation given the evolving and increasingly competitive global market. The country is falling short when it comes to investing in research and development (R&D) or attracting R&D investments. There needs to be better coordination of collaborative research activities among the various university, public and private partners, along with optimal resource allocation. Canadian universities must be supported in their research because it stimulates innovation and strengthens the economy, and by extension, improves Canadians’ quality of life.
It goes without saying that Canada’s aging population is transforming the face of the country. Before addressing the growing needs of that population throughout the country, we must understand the diversity and dynamism of Canadian seniors so that our interventions can be intelligent, targeted and innovative. The choices made by governments today have a direct impact on the well-being of the population now, and set the tone for future development in terms of healthcare, housing, transportation and services.
Despite ongoing efforts in the area of rights for everyone, Canada must renew its role as defender of the rights of all individuals. This means looking at the issues of rights for Aboriginals, minority francophones, transgender individuals, of gender equality … and realizing that as a country, we still have work to do.
Why should more Canadians take an interest in the work of the Senate?
The Senate is an invaluable tool that provides for a second and objective look at all bills. Furthermore, the research undertaken by the standing committees gives rise to public policies that I believe are more balanced and more reflective of the needs of Canadians.
Which of your legislative or committee endeavours are you most proud of?
As a minority francophone, I am very familiar with the issues surrounding the development and vitality of Canadian francophone communities. As president of the Université de Saint-Boniface, I participated in a number of consultations on official languages in areas such as early childhood, education, healthcare, economic and community development, etc., with a view to enhancing public policies. In the Senate, I would like to continue the official languages work undertaken by the Honourable Maria Chaput from Manitoba, and others.
Can you tell me about a hidden treasure in your region that Canadians would benefit from discovering?
For lovers of the outdoors, Manitoba’s 100 000 lakes and countless rivers and streams would be the main attraction. There is canoeing for all levels and tastes. I think the canoe route in Whiteshell provincial park is the best for young families. That’s where my two sons learned to canoe. Our family canoe trips are among our favourite vacation memories.
Can you name a song or album that always makes you smile? Explain why.
The song Jours de plaine by Franco-Manitoban Daniel Lavoie tells how I live what I am. Every time I listen to that song, it reminds me of my roots, the history of my ancestors and my pride in being a francophone.
“J’ai des racines en France aussi fortes que la mer“
I have roots in France as strong as the sea
Une langue qui pense une langue belle et fière”
A language that thinks, that is beautiful and proud
“Et des milliers de mots pour dire comment je vis qui je suis”
And thousands of words to say how I live what I am
What is the most recent book or movie you recommended to someone else, and why?
Just recently, I recommended the excellent drama Mustang, a French-Turkish-German production that tells the story of five sisters being raised by their grandmother in a small village in Turkey. Following an innocent event that is deemed obscene, their environment becomes stricter and the family house becomes a prison, with arranged marriages being prepared for each of the young girls. The five sisters rebel against tradition. This movie tells the story of what it’s like to be a woman in Turkey today.
Why are you proud to be Canadian?
I’m proud to be Canadian for many reasons. I value my rights and freedoms, I am proud of my culture and my mother tongue, and I love my country, its values, its cultural diversity, its bilingualism, its size and its splendor.