Evidence of meeting #39 for Official Languages in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was vancouver.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Jacques Gauthier  Chair, Official Languages Advisory Committee, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)
Donna Wilson  Executive Vice-President, Workforce and Sustainability, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)
Francine Bolduc  Director, Official Languages, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)

9:05 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney

Good morning one and all, and welcome to this 39th meeting of the Standing Committee on Official Languages.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), today we are continuing our study of broadcasting and services in French at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.

We are very pleased this morning to have again at our committee members of the organizing committee for the 2010 Olympic Games, VANOC.

We have with us this morning the chair of the official languages advisory committee, Mr. Jacques Gauthier.

Welcome to our committee again, Mr. Gauthier.

Mr. Gauthier is accompanied by Ms. Francine Bolduc, who is the director of official languages. Ms. Bolduc also came earlier to this committee.

We also have the pleasure to have for the first time at our committee Ms. Donna Wilson. She's the executive vice-president, workforce and sustainability.

Welcome to our committee, Ms. Wilson.

I believe, Mr. Gauthier, that you want to address us with opening remarks.

9:05 a.m.

Jacques Gauthier Chair, Official Languages Advisory Committee, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)

Yes. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Honourable members of the Committee, I am very pleased to once again be appearing before you, with Ms. Wilson, as you pointed out, as well as Ms. Bolduc, to give you a brief overview of the work VANOC has been doing in recent months to ensure that Canada's official languages play a prominent role at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Thank you for inviting us today. We are particularly pleased to be here today as we have information to provide on new and concrete steps that we have taken.

Right from the outset, we recognized that we have a considerable responsibility in terms of not only organizing and delivering Olympic Games that meet the highest possible international standards, but also ensuring that the Games reflect Canadian values, linguistic duality being one of those fundamental values.

These Games are for all Canadians. This is an incredible opportunity for Canada at many different levels. We are organizing and will be delivering bilingual Games, because VANOC has always believed in this. It goes beyond the Multiparty Agreement. Providing bilingual services is part of our values, as are our respect for and promotion of Canada's official language communities.

In September, the Commissioner tabled a follow-up report on preparation of the Games with respect to the official languages. I want to emphasize that a huge amount of progress has been made in that regard. As you may recall, his first report, issued in December of 2008, contained 18 recommendations, while the follow-up report contained only 11, five of which related to VANOC. So, we went from 18 to five recommendations. Once again, we are very proud of the progress that has been made.

You may also recall that I stated at the time that the report issued by the Commissioner of Official Languages would be a working document for us, enabling us to identify all the issues that need to be dealt with and resolved. As I now see that his follow-up report in September contains only five recommendations, that clearly means that a satisfactory solution has been found for the other issues. I will briefly address the five recommendations.

We paid particular attention to three of those recommendations, dealing with translation, volunteers and signage. I would also like to make you aware of those issues that have been resolved over the last two years, and particularly since our last appearance before the Committee in the spring. You no doubt recall that one of the major issues then was television coverage of the Games in French all across Canada. You now know that more than 250 Francophone journalists and professionals will be providing coverage all across the country—coverage that will be unique in the history of the Games, as twice as many hours of television coverage will be provided this time compared to what was available in Turin, which were Francophone Games as had never been presented before.

There is also a partnership agreement with the Gesca group, which includes all the newspapers connected with La Presse, thereby enabling us to promote the Games in French-language newspapers. We are making full use of that opportunity. Gesca, which is one of our partners, is investing $3 million to help us promote the Games. This is obviously a very important issue for us.

The last time we were here, I also talked about the creation of VANOC's Advisory Committee on Official Languages. In fact, that Committee has been extremely useful in terms of, not only making the Board of Directors aware of our issues, but also gaining access to parliamentarians, federal agencies—in other words, people in a position to change things. That has been, and continues to be, extremely helpful. I am very proud of that initiative, which was a direct result of the report of the Commissioner of Official Languages.

We also signed a partnership agreement with the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie to promote the 2010 Olympic Games in French across the globe. In Canada, we have been hearing a great deal about the Olympic Games, more so in the west than in the east, and particularly in Francophone Europe. But not enough information was getting through to the OIF.

So, they approached us, and we signed a partnership agreement with them. They are providing invaluable assistance with our international promotion efforts. I should also point out that, in December, we will be organizing tours with the help of the OIF—again, to promote bilingual Olympic Games where services are provided in French and in English. This will be a means of raising awareness of all the progress that has occurred.

As you know, we also entered into an agreement with Canada's Translation Bureau to help us with all the content requiring translation. The federal government recently invested an additional $7.7 million to help us fulfill our obligations with respect to translation. This is also an extremely important issue.

Finally, the equality of Canada's two languages in signage at competition venues is also an area where there has been considerable progress. Once again, the Commissioner had recommended that we ensure that signage would be identical in French and English—in terms of its size, for example. As the word suggests, it must be equal. So, that is another area where there has been a great deal of progress and which is a source of satisfaction.

I could point to others as well. However, as I mentioned a little earlier, the Commissioner's recommendations in his last follow-up report related to five issues, three of which have already been resolved.

VANOC continues to cooperate with its Francophone and government partners in order to maximize the positive spinoffs of these Games with respect to official languages. As I was saying earlier, we were thrilled that the federal government announced substantial funding to ensure the presence of both official languages at the 2010 Olympic Games.

With 99 days remaining until the Games begin, we are working closely with all government agencies and the government to ensure that all the funding made available to us is used appropriately and for identified needs. We are close to the finish line—that's a euphemism—and close to the starting line as well. Although there are still a couple of details to finalize, it is my hope that we will successfully fulfill our mandate in terms of organizing Games that promote our two official languages.

I am now available to take your questions. I believe the question period will follow Ms. Wilson's presentation, and I would like to turn it over to her now.

9:10 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney

Ms. Wilson, please proceed.

9:10 a.m.

Donna Wilson Executive Vice-President, Workforce and Sustainability, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)

Thank you, Jacques.

I am extremely delighted to be here today. I would like to thank you, Mr. Chairman, and all the members of this Committee for inviting me to discuss our progress with respect to official languages.

As Jacques has mentioned, we've made significant progress since our last appearance. The commissioner's report and the Senate report informed us and provided us guidance with their recommendations. They helped us to determine where to focus our efforts in the final months as we move towards the games. We are now faced with having 99 days left.

We are currently working with the federal government's Translation Bureau to partner in the delivery of an outstanding games, most particularly in the area of translation. The translation that we will be partnering with them on takes us right through both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

We've seen the numbers of our bilingual volunteers increase. We're quite excited by that. We're seeing young people join us in the volunteers who are also young francophones. Our signage, as Jacques has said, also reflects the equality of the two languages, French and English.

These are significant developments that have improved since the last time we were in front of you. It's important that VANOC deliver games that are distinctly Canadian, games that reflect who we are as Canadians. That we will accomplish this, I have no doubt.

And what will this bilingual experience be like?

It means that all Canadians will be able to hear, see, touch and feel our linguistic duality throughout the games. It means that people who are coming to Vancouver during the games will have the choice to be served in French or in English.

Just imagine yourself, for a moment, as a spectator arriving in Vancouver. You will be greeted by our enthusiastic volunteers at the airport. You will get directions to your venue in French or English. Your ticket, your spectator guide, and your printed games materials will all be bilingual.

When you attend an official event with us, whether it's a sport competition or a medal ceremony, you will hear commentaries in French and then English. You will also find your way throughout the venues--to the information booths, to the food concessions, and to the toilets--in French or in English. In the evening you will see live shows in French and you will see ceremonies in both English and French. Your overall experience can and will be bilingual.

In western Canada, Vancouver in particular is a multicultural city. As a multicultural city with major influences from our Asian neighbours across the Pacific Ocean, we celebrate that multiculturalism. But in the midst of that multiculturalism, the backdrop we will ensure is that all relevant touch points in the games theatre will have sufficient bilingual volunteers to provide service both in French and in English. This is our promise to Canada.

We have set a higher bar for future Olympics with several firsts, including signing a collaborative protocol back in 2006 with the francophone communities across Canada. We also ensured that we had a senior director, Francine Bolduc, heading a separate function related to official languages, which was never before done in the Olympic Games. We created a board advisory committee on official languages under the guidance and advice of the Commissioner of Official Languages. As Jacques described to you, that has been a very effective decision.

Most recently, in August we signed a convention with the international francophone community. Jacques has described for you some of the international influence that will have and some of the legacy that we will benefit from with that agreement. But one of the firsts of that agreement is that we have a commitment that the Grand Témoin will not only witness French and the activation of French in the Olympic Games but also in the Paralympic Games for the first time.

But what is of even greater importance to us than this experience that I've described for you are the legacies, some of which Jacques has spoken about. The success of these games will truly be measured for years to come.

This was a major consideration throughout our planning, including the planning for official languages. Over the last several years, working with our francophone partners, the Foundation for Cross-Cultural Dialogue and the FFCB in British Columbia, we have helped facilitate a dialogue across this country amongst the francophone communities. We've made connections. We've brought people together. That is what the Olympic spirit is all about. I am proud of the accomplishments.

We have listened to your advice and to the advice of the commissioner and Senate members. We have listened, we have made changes, and we've made great steps and strides, particularly in the last year.

Our connections remain strong. Our relationship with the federal government remains strong. This relationship has been extremely helpful to us and will continue to be helpful in these final 99 days.

Along with the opportunity of these games to present a great experience to Canadians comes great responsibility.

We will deliver Games that reflect Canada's two official languages. Canadians will be proud.

Thank you.

9:20 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Ms. Wilson.

I would also like to thank our witnesses.

We are going to begin the first round of questioning. It will be interesting to talk about the opening and closing ceremonies, and to see how our linguistic and cultural duality will be reflected there.

Mr. Rodriguez.

9:20 a.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Good morning and welcome to you all.

Mr. Gauthier, I couldn't help but smile on hearing your first comment. You said that it is a real pleasure to be here with us this time. Does that mean it was less of a pleasure the last time?

9:20 a.m.

Chair, Official Languages Advisory Committee, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)

Jacques Gauthier

It is always a pleasure, but to differing degrees.

9:20 a.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

With respect to the Torch relay, I am wondering if you have any say—for example, in terms of ensuring that it stops in Francophone communities.

9:20 a.m.

Chair, Official Languages Advisory Committee, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)

Jacques Gauthier

I will ask Francine and Donna to answer that question.

9:20 a.m.

Francine Bolduc Director, Official Languages, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)

Right from the beginning, we made certain that we called upon our Francophone collaborators for assistance, and particularly the Canadian Foundation for Cross-Cultural Dialogue. We wanted to determine which French-speaking towns and cities would reflect the Francophonie. They provided us with a list, and it is thanks to their input that these towns and cities were selected and included in the Torch relay.

9:20 a.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

The information about ridings that are on the route for the torch relay is quite interesting. It shows that 18 Bloc Québécois ridings, 29 NDP ridings, 21 Liberal ridings and 126 Conservative ridings are part of the route. I cannot help but think that partisan considerations entered into the selection.

9:20 a.m.

Chair, Official Languages Advisory Committee, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)

Jacques Gauthier

Our CEO mentioned that yesterday, and I want to repeat today that this process was carried out independently, with no political input.

9:20 a.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

Oui, Ms. Wilson.

9:20 a.m.

Executive Vice-President, Workforce and Sustainability, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)

Donna Wilson

I was involved in the early days of planning this torch relay. John Furlong spoke passionately to all of us at the executive committee. What we wanted was for this torch, this flame, to be accessible to all Canadians and within an hour's travel of most villages and cities in this country. That is how we chose our path. We wanted this to be available for all to go to. I can tell you that the planning started two and a half years ago.

9:20 a.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

That may be so, but you must admit that it seems a little strange.

9:20 a.m.

Chair, Official Languages Advisory Committee, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)

Jacques Gauthier

Mr. Chairman, I would like to mention one other detail. I am happy to be able to say that the route initially submitted to the Board of Directors included 10 days in the province of Quebec. However, we were able to increase that to 13 days. I think that represents a significant gain.

9:20 a.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

Mr. Chairman, the Olympic Flame will be going through your riding, will it not? Are you going to run with the torch?

On another topic, one has the sense that people working at the Vancouver Airport are somewhat recalcitrant. There are problems in airports across the country, but there are very definite ones in Vancouver. And yet, that will be the first point of contact for people arriving in Canada and it is where they will form their first impressions in terms of bilingualism.

Do you have any influence over the airport authorities? Are you working cooperatively with them?

9:25 a.m.

Executive Vice-President, Workforce and Sustainability, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)

Donna Wilson

Yes, we are working with the airports, most particularly with Vancouver. In terms of what power we have, we have the power of persuasion and the power of partnership. We are paying close attention to the experience from the moment you get off the plane to walking through security and then into the domain that has shops and things available.

VANOC will be adding its own layer of volunteers at the airport who will be bilingual and able to provide direction. We also have accreditation staff who will be there greeting the international groups--

9:25 a.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

I do not doubt your sincerity; however, what we have been hearing is pretty disastrous. In fact, they will be appearing before the Committee. I am not saying that you are responsible, but I would like to know to what extent you or someone else can force the airport authorities to do more. It looks as though they don't want to, and that is offensive.

I have attended international summits. When we would arrive somewhere, our first impression was that we could not receive service in French. And, that impression remained, despite efforts made subsequently. Can someone tell the Vancouver Airport that enough is enough and that it will have to fulfill its obligations?

9:25 a.m.

Chair, Official Languages Advisory Committee, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)

Jacques Gauthier

We implemented a specific program with a view to pressuring the airports in both Vancouver and Toronto to provide bilingual service. Our approach in that regard has evolved somewhat. We are now in a position to provide them with tools that will enable them to offer as much service in French as possible, as opposed to simply asking them to do it. There have been meetings in recent months, and I can assure you there will be more such meetings. I will personally ensure that they use those tools.

9:25 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney

Thank you very much, Mr. Rodriguez.

I am very pleased to inform you that the Olympic Torch will be in Lévis on December 3.

9:25 a.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

I can't wait to see you with your tuque!

9:25 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney

Olympic champion, Kalina Roberge, will carry the torch. The evening event will be in three parts, with a performance by Marie-Josée Lord, an internationally renowned artist from Lévis, who will sing the national anthem. Four choirs from Lévis will also take part in the show, as well as the l'Accroche Notes music school and the group La relève prend l'air. The Élédanse school will also be performing against a back-drop representing the Northern lights.

9:25 a.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

For heavens' sake, stop; it's overwhelming!

9:25 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney

There will also be a projection of the work of Gilles Boutin, a photographer from Lévis who has a fascination with this natural phenomenon. You are all invited to come to Lévis to greet the Torch.