Official Languages Committee on Jan. 31st, 2013

[Hubert T. Lacroix]

Yes, that's exactly right. I hope I didn't say he was an American actor. Actually, his wife is also a Canadian actor, Alison Pill. They were married in the States.

[Tyrone Benskin, NDP, Jeanne-Le Ber, QC]

Yes.

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

Mr. Lacroix, thank you for your testimony. We greatly appreciate it.

We'll suspend for five minutes.

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

We will now continue the 66^th meeting of the Standing Committee on Official Languages.

The witnesses appearing in the second hour have now joined us.

We have Mr. Ostola, who is the vice-president of the heritage conservation and commemoration directorate of Parks Canada.

Welcome. You may begin with your opening statement.

[Dr. Larry Ostola, Vice-President , Heritage Conservation and Commemoration Directorate, Parks Canada]

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, vice-chairs, honourable members of Parliament on the House of Commons of Canada Standing Committee on Official Languages.

Thank you very much for the invitation to appear before you today.

As the Official Languages Champion of Parks Canada, I am pleased to share with you our plans for promoting linguistic duality as part of the activities we will offer Canadians on the “Road to 2017”, which will lead us to the 150^th anniversary celebrations of Canadian Confederation in 2017.

I should rather say the activities we are offering, since one of the first themes of these celebrations, the bicentennial of the War of 1812, already constitutes one concrete example.

Before getting to the heart of the matter, allow me to provide a quick background regarding our agency which, with its 44 national parks, four national marine conservation areas and 167 national historic sites, is present in hundreds of communities, including many linguistic minority communities across the country. This presence makes Parks Canada one of the major players of the country’s tourism industry.

The mandate entrusted to Parks Canada on behalf of the people of Canada is as follows:

...protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity...for present and future generations.

Our vision further states that:

Canada's treasured natural and historic places will be a living legacy, connecting hearts and minds to a stronger, deeper understanding of the very essence of Canada.

Thanks to the hard work of our team of dedicated men and women and their genuine passion for our collective heritage, Parks Canada is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in heritage protection and conservation.

Through its presence in hundreds of communities across Canada, including many official language minority communities, our agency's overall national economic impact is estimated at more than $3 billion, according to recent figures, which benefits all Canadians from sea to sea.

Connecting hearts and minds to a stronger, deeper understanding of the very essence of Canada requires that we reach out to Canadians and engage them in their own official language.

For Parks Canada, the recognition and even the promotion of the linguistic duality goes well beyond a simple legal requirement. For our agency, linguistic duality constitutes one of the defining features that make Canada, Canada.

That is why we have, for example, quickly adopted new technologies.

Thanks to new technologies, we are now in a position to promote the linguistic duality of our country by reaching many individuals, including Canadians in official language minority communities, and by interacting with them not only in large centres or in places where we are present, but also directly in their homes.

The opportunities offered by these new media have quickly taken a strategic importance for us and have become an indispensable tool to reach new audiences in both official languages.

To give you a sense of our reach, Parks Canada's national YouTube channels, in both English and French, have more than a million videos viewed, with close to 1,500 viewers, and about 150 videos published from across the country.

The Parks Canada national Twitter feed has surpassed 30,000 followers.

Parks Canada's national brand channel on Facebook has more than 13,000 friends, who collectively have two million friends.

Be it Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, or our website, or even our intranet site, everything we publish, everything we communicate, is done simultaneously in both official languages.

Thanks to new media, we can now reach and engage more Canadians than ever—young Canadians, new Canadians, urban Canadians, and Canadians in official language minority communities—and share our passion with them in the official language of their choice.

As we embark on the road to 2017, these new media will again help us promote the linguistic duality of this country. However, our efforts are not restricted to new media only.

Canada's linguistic duality was already at the heart of the celebrations that marked Parks Canada's centennial in 2011. And this is again the case as we make our way on the “Road to 2017”. Already, the activities and events celebrating the bicentennial of the War of 1812, one of the milestones of our history, are evidence of our commitment to give equal place to Canada's two official languages.

From Newfoundland to Ontario, Parks Canada administers more than 20 of the most important national historic sites associated with the War of 1812. We will keep those sites at the forefront of the Government of Canada's commemorations until 2014, and keep telling the story of how anglophones, francophones, and aboriginal peoples, working together, successfully defended their land and way of life, laying the foundation for the bilingual Canada that we're proud of today.

In each of these places, Canadians are invited to come celebrate with us through activities and events that make equal place for both official languages. This will continue as we reach and celebrate other important milestones leading to the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Another major part of Parks Canada's contribution to these celebrations will be an increasing emphasis on connecting young Canadians with their national heritage places before, during, and after 2017. Our aim is to connect youth with their heritage for life, while exposing them to the other official language. This, we believe, will contribute to building the next generation of stewards who will comprise our future visitors, supporters, and employees in a true reflection of Canada's linguistic duality.

When he appeared before you last December, the Commissioner of Official Languages stated that linguistic duality was an integral part of Canada's history and identity, and that the Fathers of Confederation, and those inspired by them, saw the question of language in terms of a founding principle of respect.

We at Parks Canada totally agree. Linguistic duality increases our appeal to visitors from all parts of Canada and many parts of the world. Our brand personality is to be welcoming and warm, and linguistic duality doubles the warmth of our welcome.

Members of Parliament, ladies and gentlemen, for over 100 years, Parks Canada has not only been protecting, but also telling stories and bringing to life our heritage and history. We will be committing all the experience, all the leadership and, mainly, all the passion that drives us to offer Canadians exceptional opportunities to take part in this huge celebration, which is theirs, and reinforce, along the way, the Canadian linguistic duality.

Thank you for the kind attention you have given me. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you very much. I'd be pleased to answer any questions you might have.

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

Thank you, Dr. Ostola.

I have talked to the members of the committee and I have decided that we are going to discuss the motions I received at our meeting next Tuesday.

We have about 45 minutes for questions and comments.

We'll begin with Monsieur Godin.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Good afternoon, Mr. Ostola. Welcome to our meeting.

The Commissioner of Official Languages conducted an audit from May to October 2011 to determine to what extent Parks Canada was meeting its linguistic obligations to visitors. The final report was released in September 2012. The Office of the Commissioner was not entirely satisfied with the implementation of one of its recommendations regarding consultations with official language minority communities. According to the Commissioner, Parks Canada must “establish a formal mechanism as quickly as possible for regularly consulting official language minority communities at the national, provincial and regional levels to become aware of their specific activity and programming needs”.

Since September 2012, when the report of the Commissioner of Official Languages came out, have you taken any steps to consult official language minority communities more regularly?

[Dr. Larry Ostola]

Thank you for your question, sir.

We worked closely with the Commissioner of Official Languages over the course of the entire audit. We were actually very pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the audit, because we feel that it gave us an opportunity to review our official languages activities as we are heading toward 2017. It is always interesting to receive an outside perspective on our activities and the way they are conducted. So we feel that the audit per se came at the right time. We are well aware of the recommendations of the Commissioner of Official Languages and, of course, we are especially aware of the recommendation that you mentioned regarding more regular consultations with official language minority communities.

Our field units, meaning our people on the ground, have had an opportunity in the past to consult those communities. There have also been opportunities for official consultation. For example, we are currently developing management plans and consultation opportunities on the ground. Based on the recommendation made by the Commissioner of Official Languages, we definitely intend to continue on that path and to continue to develop strategies to have more consultations with those communities.

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

We are told that you have replaced the interpretation services in the parks with signs. Could you provide the committee, by March 1, 2013, with the list of all the sites that no longer have interpretation services? Some time ago, people were on site. I don't really see how a sign can answer questions. It can provide information, but not answer questions. When visitors went to the parks, they would find people on site. Now, signs have apparently replaced those people.

[Dr. Larry Ostola]

We would be happy to provide you with the information you have requested.

Some of our sites have been converted to a non-personalized service, and I believe that that is what you are referring to. There are various methods. For instance, the new technologies can help us with the interpretation.

As I said, we would be happy to provide you with the information.

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

Mr. Ostola, if we are talking about a sign on a site that shows a tiger and its country of origin in Africa, that is not a big deal. But if we are in a park and we are losing young interpreters, I think that is another story. As we know, the government has made cuts. But the 150^th anniversary celebrations of Confederation will take place soon. We have heard a lot about the celebration of the War of 1812. I don't know how many millions of dollars have been invested in that, but I feel that we are losing something somewhere.

Another suggestion has to do with access to the parks. Let me give you an example. There are special days when access to parks can be free. Since the 150^th anniversary celebrations will soon be here, free access would be one way to invite people to get to know our country better.

The Grand-Pré national historic site is another example. It has been recognized by UNESCO, which is important to Acadians. To this end, I would like to congratulate the Société Nationale de l'Acadie for doing a great job.

It might be equally important to share the history of Acadians and to invite those who speak another language to take part in that. In this fashion, everyone could contribute. What do you think about that?

[Dr. Larry Ostola]

First of all, I would like to thank you and tell you that I completely agree with you. The Grand-Pré national historic site and its inclusion on the World Heritage List make us very proud. That was a very important event, not only for the agency, but also for all Canadians who have heard the news.

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

In the maritime provinces, there are 20 historic sites that promote Acadian history. We are concerned, among other things, by how these sites may be affected by the cuts.

[Dr. Larry Ostola]

In the context of Budget 2012, Parks Canada had to do its share, but the fact remains that from one end of the country to the other, in our historic sites and national parks, we have a professional and dynamic team that is ready to serve Canadians with enthusiasm in the language of their choice. That aspect remains unchanged.

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

Yes, but Mr. Ostola, you refer to language of choice, and to signs. Cuts have been made and signs have been put up. I know that you want to do your share, but there have been some losses. I have no doubt that the on-site people are doing their best. I absolutely am not calling into question the work that is being done in the parks. Rather, I am talking about the cuts that were made and the consequences they are going to have.

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

Thank you, Mr. Godin.

You may answer briefly, Mr. Ostola.

[Dr. Larry Ostola]

We are confident that we will be able to continue to provide high-quality services to Canadian men and women throughout the country. That is what we have been doing for 100 years.

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

Very well. Thank you.

Mr. Gourde, you have the floor.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Ostola, thank you for being here with us this afternoon.

In your presentation, I noticed statistics on social networks that promote Parks Canada. That is interesting.

How long did it take you to reach that traffic level? Do you have any projections for the period leading up to 2017? Could we reach 80% of Canadians through these networks?

[Dr. Larry Ostola]

Thank you for the question.

As I mentioned in my presentation, we think that in our case—and indeed in that of other organizations—the use of social media is very promising. However, I must tell you right now that I am not an expert in new technologies. My children may be, but I am not. That said, Parks Canada has been getting into this for several years. We think we are leaders in the use of social networks such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.

For the moment, I cannot provide you with projections for the coming years, but I am taking note of your request. I will ask our specialists to provide you with information on future growth.

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

You said a few years. Would that be about five years since...

[Dr. Larry Ostola]

I would say between three and five years.

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

So this is already a success, right from the outset. It's like a snowball—the more it rolls, the bigger it gets.

I also noted that 20 sites promoting the War of 1812 would remain operational. Can you tell me what will remain operational until 2014?

[Dr. Larry Ostola]

As concerns the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration , as I mentioned in my presentation, we are responsible for approximately 20 very important sites directly related to the events of that time. I'm thinking of the Fort George national historic site of Canada, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, or of the Queenston Heights national historic site, not far from there. We administer these sites. There has been important programming in these places. That was the case in 2012 and this will continue until 2014. In addition, special activities or initiatives are organized in other places.

I can give you some examples. In consultation with Heritage Canada and Official Languages, we have developed a six-part audiovisual product on historical figures such as Brock, Tecumseh, Laura Secord and Charles-Michel d'Irumberry de Salaberry. They have been seen on television. We are continuing to cooperate with Heritage Canada and Official Languages on new-media-related projects. Internationally, we are cooperating with the U.S. National Park Service to produce a booklet together with National Geographic. It will be used as a guide for citizens who visit the sites related to that era's events.

Another initiative is entitled 1812 On Tour. It is a type of travelling exhibition that will be presented in over 40 sites in the course of the next few years. People will be able to obtain additional information on the bicentennial of the 1812 events.

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

What are the best sites to visit to remind us that anglophones, francophones and first nations all got together to face the arrival of the American army?