Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
Welcome to the witnesses.
Ms. Adam, you provided us with an overview of the Commissioner's position, recalling that it was created in 1969 following a major inquiry into bilingualism and biculturalism. You stated that when the position was created, official language rights in Canada were more an ideal than a reality. You further stated that the 1988 revision was not out of step with the 1982 Charter of Rights and Freedoms which recognized language rights.
Fundamentally, the position of Commissioner of Official Languages is based on an ideal and encompasses duties that are even more important than those of the Commissioner of the Environment.
Do you foresee a day when the Commissioner of Official Languages will enjoy a lesser degree of independence and will become part of the office of the Auditor General with a view to further protecting official language? In your opinion, would that move be a step backward?