Official Languages committee  On the one hand, it isn't equal across the country because these federal-provincial agreements are managed by the provinces. So we cannot make a uniform observation. On the other hand, these programs are aimed at skills development and employment. It's a completely different are

Official Languages committee  That's usually the case. We still need to solve the problem of the minority communities' access to the funds in certain areas. That still needs to be sorted out with the provinces. We think the federal government could play a role in that.

Official Languages committee  Yes, we do. The data are in the brief you have there. Generally speaking, we know that the results of francophones in New Brunswick haven't improved since the last survey 10 years ago.

Official Languages committee  Yes. The results for Ontario and Manitoba are a little better, but not much.

Official Languages committee  A first situation concerns us. We assess that about 80% of people who say they are francophone replied in English. That rate was 66% in 2003. That's the first issue. For the second issue, it's important to point out that, historically, the relationship between education and read

Official Languages committee  It is difficult in the reality of the current economy. Someone without basic training or skills will have difficulty finding and keeping a job. Skills development has an impact not just economically, but also in other areas, including personal development and health. I find that

Official Languages committee  Here is what I would answer. Organizations such as ours are in line with the federal government's skills development approach for both the roadmap and other funding programs. The organizations have adapted to this type of funding. This approach is very interesting from a number o

Official Languages committee  Thank you for the question. I have two comments about the roadmap. The interesting thing is that the roadmap includes a component on skills for employment. However, as you pointed out, we have had no information about this for a year. That jeopardizes organizations that have de

Official Languages committee  You should be prime minister for a day, not me. I like your proposal. Indeed, that kind of policy—

Official Languages committee  First, it would be possible to implement that kind of policy. Then there would be an enormous impact on access to training, what you call integrated training. As you said, adults don't have the time to spend three or four years in school. That makes no sense because they have to

Official Languages committee  I don't know the reason, but the result is the same, regardless of what happens. For us, it's not so much a question of bilingualism, but rather of training and the development of simple and effective communication skills. Have there been cutbacks? I suppose so, but the result i

Official Languages committee  No, not at this time. I believe there is an overall vision. Earlier it was said that development in this area has to start from the needs of the learners. It must also start from provincial and territorial realities. There is often a literacy and skills development policy framewo

Official Languages committee  I'll answer briefly and clearly. First, I don't think it can be less and less costly because 42% of the population ranks at that level. Second, provincial and territorial participation is fundamentally important. The key factors are there. Third, the federal government has to

Official Languages committee  I agree with Jocelyne. I think it's important; otherwise, Canada would not be what it is. We can't say to ourselves that, since there are fewer people there, we won't go. I don't think that's logical. As Jocelyne just mentioned, it's important for that report to be public. It's i

Official Languages committee  I'd like to go back to the idea of training public servants, as it concerns clear and effective communication. A few years ago, a lot of training was offered to federal public servants on how to communicate with citizens more simply and clearly. I believe this is another importan