First, the CSF asks that the act be amended to require that federal institutions consult minority language school boards before disposing of real property.
As you know, it is very difficult for the francophone community of British Columbia to determine what properties are available for the construction of schools.
The courts have found that what stands in the way of the implementation of section 23 of the charter is a lack of political will and not a shortage of sites, even in Vancouver.
The federal government owns a large number of properties, many of which have been deemed or will be deemed surplus to needs. Despite that fact, the act does not impose any specific obligations regarding the disposal of land.
The CSF has tried to obtain small portions of three sites but has been unsuccessful to date.
The federal Directive on the Sale or Transfer of Surplus Real Property, which is in place, requires that federal departments, agent Crown corporations and provincial and municipal governments be consulted. The fact that the directive does not require consultations with school boards is unacceptable.