Official Languages Committee on Nov. 5th, 2009

[Shelly Glover, Conservative, Saint Boniface, MB]

So, would you say you initially underestimated the costs of translation and signage?

[Jacques Gauthier]

There are two points to be made in that regard. The cost was certainly not overestimated. On the other hand, I do not think it was underestimated either; it is just that the demand for translation, and the resulting cost estimate, rose considerably. As a consequence, the workload increased significantly, which meant that we simply did not have the resources.

[Shelly Glover, Conservative, Saint Boniface, MB]

So, the federal government was really instrumental in your success when it comes to two of the three recommendations, is that correct?

[Jacques Gauthier]

Yes, the federal government is a prominent partner with respect to official languages. I must say I have rarely seen as much enthusiasm, at all levels, for ensuring that there is full bilingualism at these Games. I feel it at the ministerial level and at the agency level.

I might add that, of the $7.7 million in funding, an amount is earmarked for assistance with permanent signage at certain problematic buildings we discussed briefly a little earlier. There is additional money as well for improvements at medal ceremonies, which will be taking place every evening.

So, we really developed the cost estimate together and defined the precise amount of money that would be necessary in order to achieve better results.

[Shelly Glover, Conservative, Saint Boniface, MB]

Are you satisfied with the funding?

[Jacques Gauthier]

Yes, we are very satisfied.

[Shelly Glover, Conservative, Saint Boniface, MB]

That's great. So, you will not be needing additional funding?

[Jacques Gauthier]

We are still 99 days away from the opening of the Games. One should never say “never”, but the fact remains that we are very satisfied at this time.

[Shelly Glover, Conservative, Saint Boniface, MB]

Do I have any time left? I would like to ask one question about the Grand Témoin.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

You have one minute left, Ms. Glover.

[Shelly Glover, Conservative, Saint Boniface, MB]

You made reference to the Grand Témoin, Mr. Couchepin, and I'd like to know what his involvement will be in the work of the Advisory Committee.

[Jacques Gauthier]

As soon as he was appointed, he came to meet with us in Vancouver. He offered to cooperate in areas where we believed he could be helpful. We will be seeing him again in two weeks time, if I am not mistaken. He will be attending a three-day working session with us.

There is synergy in the relationship, the whole idea being to work together to make bilingualism work. It is a very close relationship.

As I already stated, it is the OIF that appoints the Grand Témoin, and the OIF is one of VANOC's partners. Indeed, we signed a partnership agreement with that organization.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Thank you very much, Ms. Glover.

Ms. Zarac, please.

[Lise Zarac, Liberal, LaSalle—Émard, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Like my colleague, Mr. Gauthier, I am very happy to hear that you are more comfortable this time. Let's not forget that we are all here for the same reason: we want the official languages to be respected. We realize that everyone will be watching us and that people from 34 Francophone countries will be coming here to visit. There is no doubt that expectations are high. And we want the people of Canada, both Francophones and Anglophones, to be involved in this wonderful Olympic experience. We simply want to ensure that, after the Games, we won't have any reason to find fault with what was done.

You mentioned that, of the 11 recommendations made by the Commissioner, there were only three that had not yet been acted on. Is that correct?

[Jacques Gauthier]

In actual fact--

[Lise Zarac, Liberal, LaSalle—Émard, QC]

You talked about five recommendations, and then three.

[Jacques Gauthier]

I mentioned that there were five in the last interim report, issued in September. They related to translation, signage and volunteers. In the last case, the recommendation involved ensuring there would be adequate numbers of volunteers in important places the public will have access to. The other two recommendations dealt with VANOC's support for the province and the cities that are hosting the Games, particularly Whistler and Vancouver, with a view to helping them move forward with bilingual signage.

[Lise Zarac, Liberal, LaSalle—Émard, QC]

You mentioned that they were resolved.

[Jacques Gauthier]

No, I mentioned that the matter of equal signage in French and English at Olympic sites had been resolved. In terms of signage in the province and the cities, the recommendation is that VANOC do more to raise awareness of the problem.

Last week, our Advisory Committee met in Vancouver. Representatives from the cities of Whistler and Vancouver told us about the steps they have taken with respect to bilingual signage. In Vancouver, there are already new signs up which welcome people in French. In Whistler, it's very impressive. The mayor is perfectly bilingual. He is presenting himself as a champion--

[Lise Zarac, Liberal, LaSalle—Émard, QC]

At our last meeting with the Commissioner of Official Languages, he told us that these agreements were supposed to be implemented in cooperation with the municipalities. But I am worried. I worked at the municipal level previously, and I know how things work when it comes to budgets: expenditures are already planned for the year. Are negotiations still going on and what are they telling you? Do these people have the necessary funding for translation? If they do not, holding discussions with them will not make it happen.

[Jacques Gauthier]

No, no; don't worry: the budgets are in place. The money is there. The signage is being produced. Last week, we received e-mails from people working for the City of Vancouver. They were proud to be able to show us what the signs look like all across the city.

[Lise Zarac, Liberal, LaSalle—Émard, QC]

Under the agreements--

[Jacques Gauthier]

It's important to make the distinction between signage at Olympic sites, which is already completed, and bilingual signage in the cities, which is still underway.

[Lise Zarac, Liberal, LaSalle—Émard, QC]

And do you think it will be enough? Will people be able to get around and know where they're going?

[Jacques Gauthier]

Yes, absolutely. It will be impressive.