Evidence of meeting #36 for Official Languages in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was destination.
A recording is available from Parliament.
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Denis Paradis
We want to hear two other committee members, Mr. Lefebvre and Mr. Samson, who will have three minutes each. Then we will discuss this matter.
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
My question is for Ms. Irish.
A little earlier my colleague referred to the importance of the social and economic fabric and, of course, of linguistic duality. What do you understand of that matter? What are your comments on those issues?
10:05 a.m.
Jennifer Irish Corporate Secretary, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
They are part of the responsibilities set forth in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. This is one of the most important principles, and the department applies it throughout the immigrant promotion and selection process.
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS
What is your opinion of linguistic duality?
What is your understanding of the expression "social and economic fabric"?
I would like to know your personal opinion on that subject.
10:05 a.m.
Corporate Secretary, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
I think Canada's linguistic duality is very important. It is an aspect that the secretariat celebrates every year at various events. Linguistic duality is also part of our promotional role and represents Canada's social fabric, which is an important part of our activities and of the goal we pursue.
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS
Mr. Viel, would you like to add a few words on the subject?
10:05 a.m.
Director, Official Languages Secretariat, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
As regards commitment to and awareness of linguistic duality within the department, I would simply note that the department recently sent an invitation to northern Quebec artist Elisapie Isaac. She made an extremely stimulating presentation on the richness and importance of our official languages, which, in her case, also included the Innu languages.
The Official Languages Secretariat has made a commitment in this regard and is determined to increase awareness throughout the department, with the help of our official languages champion, Assistant Deputy Minister Stefanie Beck, of the importance of linguistic duality and official languages and of the way they align with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Official Languages Act.
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS
How many people in your sector deal with the francophone immigration file all day long?
10:10 a.m.
Corporate Secretary, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Within the department?
10:10 a.m.
Director, Official Languages Secretariat, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Are you talking about the department or my team?
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
10:10 a.m.
Director, Official Languages Secretariat, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Let us start with my team. That is a good idea. There are four of us. Obviously, quality counts above all.
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS
Of course. You deal only with francophone immigration—
10:10 a.m.
Director, Official Languages Secretariat, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Yes, 100% of the time, and even more.
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
10:10 a.m.
Director, Official Languages Secretariat, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Yes, and that in fact represents more than 100% of our time.
10:10 a.m.
Corporate Secretary, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
The important point to emphasize is that the Official Languages Secretariat plays a coordination role in this area. It capitalizes on the resources of other sectors in the department that have responsibilities more directly related to immigration and other activities involved in the department's annual plan.
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
Paul Lefebvre Liberal Sudbury, ON
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Viel, you told us that more than 600 organizations across the country could help you take in newcomers.
There is no need to do this today, but would you please provide us with a list of those organizations?
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
Paul Lefebvre Liberal Sudbury, ON
That will give us a clearer idea of how things work.
You have a four-person team. As you say, quality counts, not quantity, but I find it hard to understand the situation, particularly as regards these 600 organizations.
10:10 a.m.
Director, Official Languages Secretariat, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
I understand, but I will clarify one point. Several branches in the department are in fact responsible for settlement and integration management and follow-up with those 600 organizations. Our role at the Official Languages Secretariat is to coordinate colleagues in those branches and to make them aware of the importance of francophone immigration in an integration services delivery context.
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
Paul Lefebvre Liberal Sudbury, ON
On this next point, I will turn to Ms. Irish.
I have learned that a particular perspective has been adopted for decision-making purposes. That is the case, for example, for LGBTQ individuals and women.
Is a lens, a special approach, being used in the case of minority francophones?
