Quebec’s National Day is an opportunity for all Quebecers to remember their history and the importance of preserving the French language, which is often undermined, especially in Montreal, said Prime Minister François Legault.
“The national holiday is a time to reflect on the path we have traveled as a nation over the last 400 years. We must remember the builders of the French-speaking nation of North America, such as Samuel de Champlain, Jean Mance, Marie de l’Incarnation, who were then able to count on the help of indigenous nations,” Quebec’s premier said Monday. He announced in a video posted on social networks.
“There is something impossible in our history: 8 million French-speakers in a continent of 400 million,” continued the Prime Minister, insisting that despite his victory, “four centuries later we are still here.”
Since then, “we have built a modern, democratic society where life is good […]. When I look at us, I tell myself that we have every reason to be proud to be Québécois. Happy National Day to all,” he concluded.
“What’s happening in Montreal worries me”
Quebec’s premier visited Charlemagne in Lanaudière for lunch Monday morning before enjoying National Day festivities in Repentigny. During a speech, he once again underlined the importance of preserving the French language.
“Every year I come here and see some faces again […] Life goes by so fast […]But there is one thing that cuts down on time, and that is traditions. […] One of my joys of the year is knowing that I am coming here,” he declared, before emphasizing that “the French language” and its preservation are at the heart of the day.
“Looking at what’s happening in Montreal […] I am anxious to know [qu’il y a] “Hundreds of thousands of new arrivals who don’t speak French,” he criticized.
“We all have a duty […] It has been 400 years since the French arrived here […] We must be a little more strict, with others in Montreal, Mr. Legault continued, “People who join us must speak French.”
According to him, “we must do more” to “protect our values”, “our language” and “our history”.
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