Yes, you have the floor.
Evidence of meeting #37 for Official Languages in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was research.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #37 for Official Languages in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was research.
A recording is available from Parliament.
9:35 a.m.
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
What is more, there is something else you don't know. In September, when we began this study on the roadmap, we heard from a lot of people. In February, officials from Canadian Heritage came and told us that it was our committee that had to conduct the evaluation of the roadmap. We didn't even know that at the time. So we have seven minutes to hear from you, and that's the evaluation of the roadmap. I can hardly wait to see the result.
Mr. Forgues, thank you for what you said. I would like to have a copy of your testimony because it contains some very important points that have not yet been raised. I hope we will find them in the report. They should not be forgotten.
Following the 2006 Census, we conducted an in-depth study on the vitality of the communities. It must be said that we were able to obtain a certain amount of money. I believe that study cost $7 million. Based on what we've heard to date, the Statistics Canada people will no longer have that amount available to them following the census we've just had. So we will lose continuity.
As a result of the actions of the FCFA, a number questions have been included in the short questionnaire. The information that we could get might therefore be comparable, for what that's worth.
I would like to address the topic of early childhood. You say you have 14 spaces for Newfoundland and Labrador. Since when have you had 14 spaces?
9:40 a.m.
Director General, Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador
That's the St. John's day care centre, which has had 14 spaces since 2005, since it was established.
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
There's been no increase in the number of spaces since that time.
9:40 a.m.
Director General, Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador
No, it's a problem with the premises; they have to be expanded.
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
9:40 a.m.
Director General, Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador
There is a plan to expand the centre.
There have been 14 spaces since 2005, but the pressing problem of spaces has in fact been around since about 2009 or 2010.
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
Unless I'm mistaken, there has not been an increase in the number of spaces since the start of the roadmap in 2008.
9:40 a.m.
Director General, Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador
No.
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
9:40 a.m.
Past Executive Director, Fédération franco-ténoise
It's been since 2005 or 2006.
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
Are you telling me that there has not been an increase? The roadmap has not resulted in an increase. Is that correct?
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
What we've just discovered is surprising. Pardon me for discovering these things.
In 2006, the government decided to cancel the early childhood agreements. You are no doubt aware of that. Those agreements contained a clause respecting official language minority agreements, but it was deleted. I also want you to know that I asked the government a question, which was placed on the Order Paper. That is a mechanism that members can use to obtain information from the government. I asked how many spaces had been created for the official language minority communities since 2006. I was told that no one knew. The government is unable to give an answer, and I have just discovered why. Thank you for your answers this morning.
Ms. Beaumont, thank you very much for recommending that the committee complete its study and submit a report. Unfortunately, that was moved and was the topic of an in camera session, as a result of which we can no longer talk about it. I unfortunately can't talk to you about it any further.
I'm going to change the subject and talk about immigration. I understood that this is an important factor for the communities. Can you tell me whether French courses are offered for immigrants in your communities? I am talking about French courses.
9:40 a.m.
Second Vice-President, Board of Directors, Fédération franco-ténoise
French second-language courses are offered at our new post-secondary institution in Yellowknife. There are not a lot of people at those courses, but we can offer that service.
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
How many immigrants are taking advantage of the service? I'll explain to you why I ask the question. I tried to find out from the government, once again through questions on the Order Paper, how many French courses there were. English courses are also offered across the country. Not many are offered in French. There are a few here in Ottawa, but I haven't seen many elsewhere. Since when have those courses been offered?
9:40 a.m.
Second Vice-President, Board of Directors, Fédération franco-ténoise
Probably since the college was established.
9:40 a.m.
Second Vice-President, Board of Directors, Fédération franco-ténoise
It was in 2010.
9:40 a.m.
Past Executive Director, Fédération franco-ténoise
I can give you a few more details.
9:40 a.m.
Second Vice-President, Board of Directors, Fédération franco-ténoise
You may continue.