Official Languages Committee on Nov. 1st, 2018

[Darrell Samson, Liberal, Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS]

Is my time up, Mr. Chair?

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

Yes.

[Darrell Samson, Liberal, Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS]

I'll turn the floor over to Mrs. Fortier. Perhaps you could answer my other questions during the discussion or in writing at a later time.

[Denis Racine]

May I answer with respect to tourism?

[Darrell Samson, Liberal, Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS]

I'll turn it over to Mrs. Fortier on that issue.

[Mona Fortier]

Thank you, Mr. Samson.

My question is about the new Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future. I know that, during the consultations, the communities submitted to you the idea of seeing the machinery of government through the lens of official languages. I understand that, as an administrator, you are responsible for applying such a lens to the action plan.

Could you explain to me how this will work? For example, will there be new round tables or other initiatives in support of the action plan that will be the direct result of your role as an administrator?

[Denis Racine]

Shortly after the action plan was announced, we put in place what we call a dialogue process. For each of the action plan initiatives under the responsibility of the Official Languages Branch, we brought together the community and institutional stakeholders involved to launch the discussion, listen to them and put in place the “by” and “for”. It is important for us not to make decisions in isolation or assumptions about the situation. It is really about taking the time to meet with community organizations and educational institutions, for example, and having a real in-depth discussion on how to optimize those investments while listening to stakeholders, their reality and their needs.

This process is ongoing. Some of the funding initiatives will only be launched next year, which gives us some time to prepare properly and be constantly listening. After all, we use the word “dialogue”, which proves that the exercise has no end and is ongoing. I think this will really allow us to better help the people we serve every day.

[Mona Fortier]

I'm trying to understand the immigration initiative. This initiative is not necessarily new, but it is critical for communities.

To achieve the targets that have been set, how will you support the Department of Citizenship and Immigration on this issue, while playing your own role?

[Denis Racine]

One of the main initiatives in the action plan is immigration. This component has been assigned to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This department is also in the implementation phase. Like us, it has initiated a process of dialogue with the communities. It is in the process of establishing the parameters and criteria for new initiatives.

Funding enhancement initiatives are already in place. We are working closely with that department, but it is responsible for the file. The good news is that our ways are similar. Before even taking action, the department will discuss with key francophone stakeholders outside Quebec and anglophones in Quebec to develop initiatives that reflect local realities. The bulk of the funding is expected to start flowing in the next fiscal year. I think there is already some funding available this year.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

Thank you very much.

We'll now go to Mr. Choquette.

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Again, thank you for being here.

It has been announced that the court challenges program would be ready in 2018, in other words in one or two months. That's good news.

For how many years will the court challenges program be funded, so that official language communities have access to it? Do you have that information on hand?

[Denis Racine]

We have the information somewhere, but we can send it to you later, if you wish.

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

Yes, I would appreciate that.

The committee would also like to know the amount from the language rights support program (LRSP) that will be available for official language communities over the next five years. How much of the funding will be allocated to official languages? If memory serves, the program is now geared toward official languages and human rights. Could you tell me how much of the funding will be devoted to official languages, because it is not clear?

[France Fortier, Acting Director, Operations and Regional Coordination, Official Languages Branch, Department of Canadian Heritage]

The former LRSP allocated $1.5 million per year. The new court challenges program provides $5 million per year, with a minimum of $1.5 million for official languages. The same envelope was maintained for official languages.

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

Okay.

[Yvan Déry]

Let me give you some additional information. The court challenges program (CCP) is not managed by our branch. So we are not the best people to give you an answer. However, I can tell you that the envelope for the old LRSP was $1.5 million, which included program administration, promotion and conflict resolution, while the $1.5 million in the new CCP will be used primarily to support cases. That's a real improvement.

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

Good, that's very good news.

I have another question about the revision of the official languages regulations. That too is good news and we are very happy to hear that. Most organizations and associations are very happy about it too.

If I understand correctly, the moratorium is ongoing, meaning that the current programs will be maintained and money will be invested. How many millions of dollars will be invested in implementing the regulations?

[Yvan Déry]

The Treasury Board has estimated the cost of bilingual services in the new offices. I believe you will be meeting with Mr. Brison later this month. You will have to ask his team those questions to find out the details.

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

Okay. So you have not participated in the revision of the part IV regulations.

[Yvan Déry]

That is really the responsibility of the Treasury Board team.

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

Okay.

I also have a question for you on another issue that actually is important to you, namely the enumeration of rights holders. Earlier, I asked Ms. Joly the question, but she did not have time to answer. What role do you play in this issue? This is an issue of great concern to our committee. It is important for official language minority communities that the number of rights holders be properly counted. In addition, under part IV, the number of rights holders will increase.

What role will you play in the enumeration of rights holders in the next census?

[Yvan Déry]

We are working with Statistics Canada, but it is a complex issue.

It is easy to determine someone's mother tongue, but it is very difficult to figure out the schools that the parents attended, whether they went to French-language school, immersion school, and all that.

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

My question is more about—

[Yvan Déry]

Yes?

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

Earlier, the minister did not have the opportunity to answer it. Is there a will to do this before the next election?