I must first of all say that I was disappointed by that decision, which I found premature. A meeting had been scheduled with the deputy minister to discuss the decision. I received a letter after the decision was announced. I continue to think that the department's position shows a lack of understanding of the obligations set out in part VII of the Act. According to that department, services will continue to be offered in both languages.
When two institutions that serve the scientific French-speaking community are closed, while English language institutions and libraries remain open, it is obvious that the equal status of both official languages is not being respected. These are not actions that are in compliance with part VII of the Act.