Evidence of meeting #5 for Official Languages in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was languages.
Liberal
Raymond Simard Liberal Saint Boniface, MB
Could you please tell us about the importance of maintaining and developing the Official Languages Action Plan?
My second question is on the Official Languages Act. It was adopted in 1969 and, I believe, amended in 1988. It has already been 18 years since it was last revised.
Do you think that the time has come for the committee to study this question, or, indeed, is it time for a comprehensive review of the Official Languages Act?
Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
I'll answer your last question first. When I began my mandate, I was told that the Official Languages Act was similar to a monument, that is that you only attempted work on it if it was absolutely necessary.
I've been in my position for seven years now, and I would say that we have made significant changes to the act without much debate. The changes have not caused much of a stir, and the act has more teeth.
In my opinion, if the government acted on part VII as we recommended, then it could do some very good work. The legislation is currently quite satisfactory. What we need to do is focus on implementation tools, such as regulations. I think that should be the priority for the next while.
The other question was on the Official Languages Action Plan. I know that the current government is committed to supporting it and complying with it, but we do not know. The Action Plan for Official Languages had various goals. One of those goals related to the federal public service. The goal was that the public service be an example in terms of official languages. Resources were assigned for the purposes of that goal for three years. One could ask what the current government is going to do. It has not announced anything. Will it keep the innovation fund for official languages? Will it continue to invest in language training? We still do not have enough bilingual labour. That is one of the current questions with respect to the Action Plan for Official Languages.
Given that the action plan comes to an end in 2008, it is important to think about reinvesting and about the process that will be undertaken almost immediately by this government in order to ensure that the plan is reviewed and, if need be, improved by adding elements that were left out. In my opinion, your question is very relevant and it is time for the government to consider that issue.
Conservative
Conservative
Luc Harvey Conservative Louis-Hébert, QC
After having heard four rounds of questions, is there one question that you would have liked to been asked and that has not yet been asked?
Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
I do like your questions. Are you by any chance a psychologist?
Conservative
Luc Harvey Conservative Louis-Hébert, QC
Perhaps I have become somewhat of one after having raised four children.
Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
I will make one comment. I must say that I enjoyed working as the Official Languages Commissioner. I particularly appreciated working with parliamentary committees and with you as individuals. Over the years, relationships are formed. I have also learned, through my work, to better appreciate the work of members of Parliament and of those who make significant sacrifices in their personal lives in order to fulfill their public mandate. Sometimes, when I read the newspapers and I see how the Canadian public treats its politicians or elected officials, I think to myself perhaps they're right in...
My purpose here is not to flatter you. I think that your duties are very demanding. I have greatly appreciated the work we have all done together, the support you have given me and my team, the respect that you have shown us and the fact that you have taken our recommendations into account. I have always felt that there was communication, commitment and an impact. I think that most of the time, you have done your work. As a Commissioner, I have been well supported and I thank you for that.
Conservative
Luc Harvey Conservative Louis-Hébert, QC
My parliamentary secretary is absent, but I would like to thank you. In order to do so we will follow parliamentary custom.
Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
Do we stand up in Parliament?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Guy Lauzon
Before I adjourn the meeting, I'd like to say that this will, in all probability, be the last time Ms. Adam will be appearing before the committee, at least in her capacity as Commissioner of Official Languages, as her mandate will be coming to an end in the coming weeks.
I would like to remind committee members that a small reception is being held in honour of Ms. Adam. The reception will be in this room after the meeting.
Ms. Adam, I hope that you and your team will be able to attend.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Guy Lauzon
I spoke with representatives of the Minister of Transport this week. They are willing to appear before the committee. However, they won't be able to come before next week. The clerk has spoken with officials who have said they will be able to come.
Thursday?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Guy Lauzon
Yes, in other words, in one week. On Thursday, I believe we will be meeting with Ms. Verner.
NDP
Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB
Mr. Chairman, does that mean we will be meeting with Ms. Verner on Thursday and Mr. Cannon on Tuesday?
Conservative
NDP
Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB
He won't come next Thursday or next Tuesday? Then the truth is that he does not want to come.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Guy Lauzon
Yesterday, he told us that he would not be able to come next week.
NDP
Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB
I understand, Mr. Chairman. However, we asked the minister to appear before this committee. I think this is important.