cross-posted to Gerard’s OC

It’s not a big name, but hopefully this will help dispel some of the “won’t play in Quebec” and “has weak French” talk:

A STATEMENT FROM THE HON. MADELEINE MAEILLEUR, MPP OTTAWA VANIER
June
13, 2006

TORONTO – It is with great pleasure that I officially announce today my support for the candidacy of Mr. Gerard Kennedy for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. Over the past years, we have had the opportunity to work together to improve the French language education system in Ontario, both at the policy and financing levels. We put in place a new Policy on French Language Development to strengthen French-language education in the province, thereby giving young people fuller access to French language and culture, allowing them to realize their full potential at school and in society and helping to enhance the vitality of the Franco-Ontarian community.

The improvement in the results of Francophone students in reading, writing and math is tangible proof of Mr. Kennedy’s commitment to Franco-Ontarian youth.

Gerard Kennedy is a great defender of the rights of minorities. He has an extraordinary capacity to rally people around a cause and to focus everyone’s energies on the goal of improving service to citizens.

I am certain that Mr. Kennedy will continue his efforts to protect and promote French language and culture in Canada. His visionary qualities and personal courage have guided him in his decisions, for the well-being of all Ontarians. He is an exceptional leader who is strongly committed to improving
people’s quality of life. That is why I am backing Mr. Kennedy for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada.