Official Languages Committee on Oct. 30th, 2012

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

Welcome to the 57th meeting of the Standing Committee on Official Languages. Today is Tuesday, October 30, 2012. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3), today we are studying the issue of linguistic duality during the 150th anniversary celebrations of Canadian Confederation in 2017.

Our witnesses today are Ms. Bourget, who is the assistant deputy minister, and Mr. Racine, who is the executive director, and they are both from Canadian Heritage.

We will start with Ms. Bourget.

[Nicole Bourget, Assistant Deputy Minister, Sport, Major Events and Regions, Department of Canadian Heritage]

Mr. Chair, committee members, first please allow me to thank you for the invitation to discuss the important focus that will be placed on linguistic duality during the planning for the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. As a Franco-Ontarian, who was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, this topic is very important to me personally.

As you know, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage recently addressed the issue of Canada's 150th anniversary in 2017. Minister Moore had the opportunity to discuss this topic with them. Although we are in the preliminary stages of planning for the activities and initiatives to mark Canada's 150th anniversary in 2017, we know that many Canadians across the country have already begun planning initiatives in their own communities.

Many Canadians have fond memories of Canada's centennial in 1967. They were fortunate to have experienced this landmark year in Canada's history. Those centennial celebrations that ignited the imaginations of so many Canadians were held on the eve of significant changes that led to the vibrant Canada we share today.

Canada's centennial was celebrated two years before the Official Languages Act of 1969, but even then, strides were being made towards linguistic duality, with the appointment of a francophone deputy commissioner for the Centennial Commission, and an official centennial song in both French and English. These measures foreshadowed the significant changes to come.

In fact, Canada has changed considerably since 1967. From the adoption of the first Official Languages Act and its 1988 revision to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, linguistic duality is entrenched in modern Canadian society. Today, official language minority communities have a network of schools throughout the country, as well as diverse institutions that support them in their development and growth.

Official language minority communities have had to work hard, and continue to do so, to ensure their place in Canadian society. The Department of Canadian Heritage recognizes and supports this effort when planning major events and commemorations. We have developed and refined several best practices that will be a cornerstone of the plans for the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of Canada.

In 2008, the country celebrated the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City. Through these celebrations, Canadians gained a better knowledge of the origins of our country. Canadians from the two linguistic communities throughout the country celebrated the event. For example, nearly halfway across the country in Alberta, the 400th anniversary of Quebec City was a theme during the 2008 Calgary Stampede.

To ensure a balanced perspective, recognition of the contribution of the anglophone communities in the history of Quebec City was also an integral part of the programming of the 400th anniversary. As such, Quebec's 400th Anniversary Society included a representative from the anglophone community on its board of directors.

The 400th not only celebrated the city of Quebec and its people, but it also became a rallying point for Canadian francophone communities. On August 15, 2008, during the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City celebrations, the "Grand Tintamarre Acadian" took to the streets of Quebec City. Throughout the day, the dynamism and vitality of the Acadian people were celebrated both in Quebec and, of course, throughout l'Acadie. These celebrations also included the Francodôme, which highlighted the creators and artists from francophone and Acadian communities in Quebec and across Canada.

Another example of the department's commitment to linguistic duality was the Vancouver 2010 games. During the Olympic torch relay, Canadians from across the country showed their pride like never before by participating in festivities surrounding the torch relay in their communities.

Francophone and Acadian communities across the country contributed to the planning of the torch relay and had the opportunity to showcase their dynamic culture throughout. These communities had a strong presence over the course of the 45,000 kilometre journey.

When Minister Moore appeared before the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage last October, he highlighted the success of la Place de la Francophonie during the Vancouver 2010 games. The Government of Canada provided significant support to showcase the richness and diversity of the French language and francophone culture in Canada to the rest of the world.

Celebrations such as the 400th anniversary of Quebec City, and the Olympic and Paralympic games in Vancouver, contributed to a greater appreciation, both by Canadians and by our international visitors, of our history, our landscape, our culture, our communities, and the richness of our linguistic duality. This was not accomplished by the Government of Canada's grants or contributions alone, but in conjunction with the support and leadership from community organizers who worked closely with official language minority communities.

Canadians' enthusiasm for celebrations and commemorations has not dimmed and will, we hope, gradually increase as we approach 2017.

Between 2012 and 2017, we will mark a number of anniversaries that will help build a sense of pride and belonging for all Canadians. They will highlight our achievements, both nationally and internationally. These milestones commemorate events and people who have contributed significantly to the development of our country and will help unite us in our collective struggle for the advancement of causes at the core of our common values.

In planning for the 150th anniversary of Canada's Confederation and other events on the road to 2017, we will build on past experiences, implementing proven best practices. The road to 2017 also offers a unique opportunity to highlight the significant contributions of francophones towards making Canada the country it has become. Milestone anniversaries marked over the coming five years will be used to build a shared sense of pride among Quebeckers and all Canadians.

The contributions of Sir John A. Macdonald, for example, are well known and are commemorated by many organizations across Canada. But we will also have the opportunity to commemorate his Quebec contemporaries, such as Sir George-Étienne Cartier and Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine.

In addition, in 2015 Canada will host the Pan American and Parapan American games in Toronto. The federal government is a leading partner. The organizing committee began several years ago to work with the Franco-Ontarian community, among others, to ensure that the games reflect Canada's linguistic duality.

Past events such as the 400th anniversary of Quebec City and the Vancouver 2010 Games have taught us much within the department, but they have also built a strong capacity among the representatives of official language communities. I am confident that we will once again work in partnership to build strategic alliances to implement initiatives that support the recognition and celebration of Canada's linguistic duality.

Mr. Racine and I will gladly answer your questions. Thank you for providing me with this opportunity to share my thoughts with you today.

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

Thank you.

We have about two hours for questions and comments.

Mr. Godin, you have the floor.

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I would like to thank the representatives from Canadian Heritage for being here. We are pleased to welcome you to the Standing Committee on Official Languages.

I am reminded of all the discussions we had for the 2010 Olympic Games. I remember that we heard from a lot of witnesses about this. We could say that good things were done, but we could also say that, in some cases, we very clearly missed the mark.

We will mainly discuss the two official languages here because this is the Standing Committee on Official Languages.

Will our francophones be singing in English or in French? That's what happened during the last Olympic Games. When it came to French, people defended it by saying that a francophone had been asked to sing. But an English song was chosen. However, I didn't see many anglophones choosing to sing songs in French.

What will Canadian Heritage's involvement be with respect to looking at the schedule for such events? There are Métis, first nations and different groups. They shouldn't just be invited for the opening and then forgotten. We're talking about celebrating the 150th anniversary of Confederation. I'm sure Mr. Dion will speak about it. You are talking about Canada's birthday, but I don't think it's Canada's birthday. In our documents, we are really talking about Confederation. There is a difference between the two.

I would like to hear what you have to say about that. Our committee worked very hard at that time. We had even invited the president of the organizing committee for the Vancouver Olympic Games. Despite that, we really missed the boat. When the celebration began, we realized that we had lost.

What are Canadian Heritage's intentions in this matter?

[Nicole Bourget]

Thank you very much for your question.

First of all, if we look at the Olympic Games as a whole, even the Grand Témoin who was at the Games and the Commissioner of Official Languages said that these were the most bilingual games that had been held in the history of the Olympic Games. We're talking about the presentation of the games. The same thing is true of the torch relays where francophone groups were involved in the community. Each of the 130 communities visited by the relay had a representative from the official language minority community on the committee. A lot of local talent was on display. Good practices were developed. A great deal of effort was made during the games to ensure that signage, announcements and most of the activities relating to the various events were done perfectly in both official languages.

The opening ceremony was a different matter. There was a contribution agreement with some obligations. The Commissioner of Official Languages reported on it and made recommendations that we have implemented. The minister gave a ruling at the time. Unfortunately, with respect to the Olympic Games, there were last minute changes that were not communicated to the department and that meant that the French components that should have been there were not.

However, we can talk about the 150th anniversary of Confederation and some events that we are organizing across the country on behalf of the government. I will give the example of the war of 1812, which is a commemoration. We can see what was done with respect to the consultations with the official language minority communities. This is the case in Ontario and in Quebec, with the English language community there, including—to also answer your question, Mr. Godin—first nations groups and groups from various communities to ensure they are better integrated. There are lessons that we learned and lessons that we are implementing when we are developing projects, during discussions and during meetings. We made commitments to official language communities to have discussions and to see what we can put into place to ensure that they are reflected in the events.

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

Are you going to have a board of directors?

[Nicole Bourget]

No decision has been made about the structure for organizing the 150th anniversary.

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

Its structure has not yet been decided. I would suggest, for example, that a member of the FCFA be involved, as well as a member of the QCGN, and perhaps a person representing the Métis. Then, you would have people involved on the ground, rather than people from this site in Ottawa who think they know the entire country or that they speak for the country. You would have people who could come from various places and especially from organizations that experience this every day.

[Nicole Bourget]

The standing committee submitted the report on its hearings on the 150th anniversary where there were presentations from various groups. As you know, the government is considering the report, but there is an enormous number of suggestions. If I may, I would like to add something to the topic of the 150th anniversary. Right now, a number of citizens are already involved. The groups already reflect francophones, Acadians, first—

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

I'll tell you this, Ms. Bourget. I hope the Radio-Canada representatives can hear me because they are going to hear me when they appear before us.

I remember when I was in Prince George when the Olympic flame was going to Nanaimo by boat. The only thing you saw on RDI was the plane with the door closed. When you saw the plane on the tarmac in Vancouver, the boat was going with the flame to Nanaimo and the francophones saw none of that.

Basically, will there also be discussions with the organizations, especially those that represent public television? I know they take care of their own programming but, at the same time, it will be the celebration of Confederation. There will be events, especially events of this nature, and we must ensure that both official languages are represented and that a lot of communities are able to watch it on their public television station, which is paid for by taxpayers.

[Nicole Bourget]

I think this is a good opportunity. CBC/Radio-Canada intends to hold consultations on the 150th anniversary of Confederation. It intends to start early in the new year. I imagine that the groups and people taking part in those forums will echo your comments.

Certainly, for the organizations we have contribution agreements with, our requirements relating to linguistic duality are clearly stated.

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

Thank you.

Mr. Gourde, you have the floor.

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Ms. Bourget, Mr. Racine, thank you for being here and sharing your expertise with us.

The commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation will no doubt be exceptional for people of our generation, perhaps even two or three generations. Taking part in this type of celebration is a special opportunity.

I think it will also be a special opportunity to promote our linguistic duality and enable all our communities to be involved in this celebration. We need our minority communities to show Canada's character and our core identity. You mentioned that they had been invited to propose various projects. Has this process already started, or will it pick up steam in 2013 to allow people to get involved, to have their say and present their initiatives?

No doubt there will be projects in large cities, but the local projects are also important. It is important to remember the small communities that built our country. Think about the rural regions that fed our country in its early years. It's important because we have deep roots there.

In my riding, some areas are 375 or almost 400 years old. These regions also have treasures. How can we integrate all of that into the celebrations?

[Nicole Bourget]

Thank you.

Fortunately—and it's good to see what is going on—there is already an enormous amount of interest in the 150th anniversary. We are seeing groups form, particularly imagiNation 150, from Calgary. These people have set up a website and a users guide, which is accessible in French and English, to all the small communities across the country. These people explain how to organize a local community and what people are doing.

Radio-Canada will start its consultations. Several other groups, particularly the national capital commissions network, have held consultations in a number of regions in the country. People are forming groups on a daily basis. Some have already sent us project requests. I would say that interest will basically increase.

The minister told the committee that the communities are going to decide what celebrations they want to hold, how they will locally celebrate the historic aspects, the figures, the local heroes, the culture and the linguistic diversity.

We are just starting out, but I am sure that, between now and 2017, Canadians are going to propose a very long list of activities and initiatives. I hope that this will be contagious and that people will want to celebrate this anniversary and get involved.

Denis, do you want to add anything?

[Denis Racine, Executive Director, Major Events and Celebrations, Department of Canadian Heritage]

Of course, July 1st will probably be a very important day in 2017. The department already supports Canada Day celebrations across the country. There are more than 1,800 of them across Canada every July 1st, and the vast majority of them take place in small communities. They basically cover the entire country, from north to south and east to west.

It is celebrations like these that allow us to connect with the communities. In the small communities, most of the people take part in organizing these events. For the celebration of these important milestones, there is a real movement of solidarity in the communities. We are expecting this same trend in 2017, and that people will be even more inclined to celebrate Canada and Confederation by highlighting how they experience it in their community.

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC]

I can assure you that there will be special events in Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière. We are starting to talk about them already. People are used to taking part in commemorations, be it the 100th, the 125th or the 150th anniversary of small communities.

This will be an opportunity to unite all these small communities and their leaders in order to go beyond the confines of their celebration. It will be really very interesting. I can tell you that there is a lot of history in our corner of the country. There are treasures in places that need only be revealed to the country. I can assure you that this will be special.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

Thank you, Mr. Gourde.

Mr. Dion, you have the floor.

[Stéphane Dion, Liberal, Saint-Laurent—Cartierville, QC]

Thank you very much.

Ms. Bourget, Mr. Racine, could you please tell us exactly what your role will be? Are you the pivotal people—after the minister, obviously—involved in organizing these celebrations?

[Nicole Bourget]

I would like to say yes. I am the assistant deputy minister responsible for Sports Canada, major events, celebrations and regions. I am responsible for supporting the minister and the department, and I support them in developing plans and programming for the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Mr. Racine is the executive director responsible for major events and celebrations, including the 150th anniversary of Confederation and all other major anniversaries. He is also responsible for managing the grants and contributions programs for all other commemorations that we are celebrating in the road to 2017. Denis spoke earlier about Celebrate Canada, which is one of the programs we manage. We also manage the Commemoration Canada component.

[Stéphane Dion, Liberal, Saint-Laurent—Cartierville, QC]

Are you the two most pivotal people, after the minister?

[Denis Racine]

In my humble opinion, you have before you the two people who are currently working on the file.

[Nicole Bourget]

Actively.

[Denis Racine]

As for the organization—

[Stéphane Dion, Liberal, Saint-Laurent—Cartierville, QC]

I repeat the question.

Do we have the two key persons, after the minister, for the organization of these events?

[Denis Racine]

I can quite simply tell you that we are the two people who are working on the file currently, with our teams of course. The very structure that will be put in place to go ahead with the initiatives has not yet been determined. Until then, we are the people who—