I mentioned this matter earlier. I do have concerns and let me tell you why.
Prior to 2001 there was no minister responsible for official languages. The position was created in response to some of my recommendations and those made by other groups. It was felt that a minister was required as official languages concerns all departments; we established that there was a need for a champion or a leader, who would coordinate and ensure, be it by stick or by carrot, that departments respected their obligations. In addition, we felt that it was incumbent upon the government, through a group of deputy ministers and a group of ministers responsible for official languages, to exercise this responsibility.
The minister responsible for official languages was not mandated to ensure service delivery. He had a more objective role, offering an outsider's perspective. Now, however, the minister responsible for official languages is responsible for official language program delivery — and these programs are major Canadian Heritage programs, — while also receiving support services from the Deputy Minister for Canadian Heritage.
I know few people who would be able to maintain independence when asked, as this minister has been asked, to defend his or her department and provide services while simultaneously acting as a critic of the department. Such a situation creates a problem. Even if there are two distinct structures, it does not change the fact that they are operating under the same deputy minister and the same two assistant deputy ministers.
How can they send out an independent message to the federal government? I feel that such a situation could lead to confusion and conflict of roles and responsibilities. When such a situation occurs within an organization — and we have all been members of organizations —, the result is stagnation. We are running the risk of stagnation. More time will be spent on clarification and on getting the message across than on real action.