Very good.
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me here today to discuss an important topic, the modernization of the Official Languages Act.
I would like to congratulate you all on your work to promote and develop Canada's linguistic duality. That brings me to my first point. I will touch on just six points, each one briefly so I don't go over my allotted time.
The act does not mention Canada's linguistic duality. It does, of course, refer to English and French as Canada's official languages. It also talks about the development and vitality of English and French linguistic minority communities. All of that implies that Canada has a linguistic duality. However, the act does not specifically mention the concept, which, I'm told, has been losing so much ground that, as Senator Miville-Dechêne said at a recent seminar at the University of Ottawa, attitudes toward linguistic duality in federal institutions are becoming less and less friendly.
What she said really worried seminar participants, and it made me realize how important it is for Parliament and, ultimately, the Government of Canada, to formally recognize the concept of Canadian linguistic duality. As you know, multiculturalism and bilingualism have already been recognized, and it might be time to recognize Canada's linguistic duality as well.
My second point is international immigration. The Official Languages Act says precious little about immigration, which is absolutely crucial to the vitality and development of official language minority communities, especially francophone and Acadian communities. Their demographic weight in this country is shrinking steadily.
It seems to me that the modernization of the act provides an opportunity to include provisions regarding immigration. However, great care must be taken not to compromise the Canada-Quebec accord relating to immigration. Lawmakers will have to be extremely careful when it comes to respecting the agreement Quebec and the federal government have in place.
My third point is about Canada's international image. Perhaps the Commissioner of Official Languages should be mandated to ensure that Canada's institutions and representatives abroad convey an image of our country that respects the linguistic duality I referred to earlier. In other words, up to now, too little consideration has been given to Canada's international image.
The commissioner has well-established responsibilities here in Canada. Sections 23 and 24 of the act relate to travellers and Canada's offices abroad. I am familiar with those provisions, but the commissioner's role with respect to Canada's international image should be much more clearly defined.
I would also note that the act does not prevail in all cases. According to section 82, only some parts of the act prevail over other federal acts and regulations. In my opinion, that partial primacy should no longer be. I think all parts of the act should prevail.
One issue you probably did not expect me to raise is bilingualism in the Supreme Court of Canada. I am thoroughly convinced that bilingualism is possible in the Supreme Court of Canada. I am referring to section 16 of the act, which covers courts other than the Supreme Court of Canada. That means it is possible to institute bilingualism in the Supreme Court of Canada without seeking a formal constitutional amendment. Anyone who says otherwise is, I believe, mistaken. I have no compunction about raising this important subject.
My final point relates to something you have already heard a lot about: the importance of strengthening the act, giving it teeth. At this time, the commissioner does have important powers, it's true. For one, he has the power to investigate, report and make recommendations, but he doesn't have the power to impose sanctions. I think the time has come to focus on that gap in the Official Languages Act and give the commissioner the power to impose sanctions.
I know quite a few people interested in linguistic rights in Canada have proposed creating an administrative tribunal. I think that idea is worth exploring. I can go into more detail when it's time for questions.
That concludes my presentation.