That is fine, in terms of the budget. However, in actual fact, as a member of the Standing Committee on Finance, I noted that all the officials we meet with and who come before the Committee to present their plans and programs for the year, speak to us only in English. In terms of setting an example, as a government that sees itself as bilingual and has an official languages policy, I would say you are providing very poor service. It means that all the great policies that you officially support are ineffective.
And there is worse: witnesses who sometimes have a French name who are called to appear before the Committee almost feel that they have to speak English. Of course, people have a right to express themselves in the language of their choice. However, there is frustration out there and it is expressed by Francophones. It is clear that Francophones are speaking English because they have the impression that they are coming to appear as representatives of an Anglophone government. That is the comment I wanted to make.
I think you should start with the public service: you should also ensure that candidates applying for positions that are bilingual imperative who want to receive these kinds of promotions are actually bilingual and can speak both English and French. That is my first recommendation.
Let's talk about the judges now. At the Supreme Court of Canada, all Canadian citizens, whether Francophone or Anglophone, must be able to be heard in the language of their choice. And it is perfectly normal that justices be able to understand what people are saying. Relying on interpretation is always difficult. You miss certain parts because the interpreter is always behind the person who is speaking. You must know as well as I do that this is not an effective process. Therefore, it is perfectly normal, if we are demanding that our senior officials be able to express themselves in French and English, that Supreme Court justices, who are the most senior representatives of our justice system in this country, also be able to understand French. It may not be necessary for them to be equally proficient in French and English, if you want them to retain some freedom in that regard, but I think it is essential they be able to understand.
Personally, I use an earphone. I listen to the comments in English in an effort to understand English, because it is important to know both languages. As far as our judges are concerned, they must be selected for their competence, but I do think we could choose individuals who understand both French and English.
It is much simpler for a country to have a single official language—that is really what you are saying. It is much simpler to operate in English alone and for all of us to just use English when communicating with each other.