Evidence of meeting #53 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 jazz.
A recording is available from Parliament.
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Liberal
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General Manager, Linguistic Affairs and Diversity, Air Canada
We are continuing our efforts to that end.
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NDP
François Choquette NDP Drummond, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I asked you this earlier when the microphones weren't on, but I will now repeat it so that all my fellow members are up to speed. Is it possible for you to send the committee the figures, or percentages, for what you spend on language training and bilingual recruitment efforts in official language communities? All the members could then benefit from the information.
12:50 p.m.
NDP
François Choquette NDP Drummond, QC
I want to pick up on something Ms. Lapointe mentioned, something that also strikes me as important.
A few minutes ago, we were talking about the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority's problems with French-language services. The Commissioner of—
12:50 p.m.
Conservative
Sylvie Boucher Conservative Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île dOrléans—Charlevoix, QC
—Official Languages—
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NDP
François Choquette NDP Drummond, QC
—released a report Tuesday morning, if memory serves me correctly.
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Conservative
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NDP
François Choquette NDP Drummond, QC
The story was in the media on Monday. The air transport authority seems to be having trouble recruiting people who can provide services in French. What you said is very important. What can the federal government do to improve things?
We are members of Parliament, and we know you have obligations to meet. Your most recent report to us is very positive and relevant, but what concrete measures can the federal government take to help you meet your official languages obligations? Do you have any suggestions as to what investments the government can make to support your training efforts? That means supporting official language communities as well as training. Do you have any thoughts on that?
12:50 p.m.
Senior Director, Government Affairs and Community Relations, Air Canada
As you saw in our presentation, as far as our recruitment efforts go, we always try very hard to reach out to community-based groups for help in recruiting staff. The government could establish some sort of list, broken down by region, of qualified bilingual workers who are looking for a job. A company like ours could use the list proactively to contact people, inform them of job opportunities at Air Canada, and encourage them to send in their CVs.
It's nothing major, but it would help to have a consolidated tool like that, a one-stop stop, if you will, providing a list of qualified people. If it could help us recruit 10 more people, that would be 10 more people.
12:55 p.m.
Director, Government Relations, Western Region, Air Canada
I just have a quick comment.
I live in a francophone community, and I have dealt with this issue. I work with many organizations facing the same challenge. Oftentimes, our bilingual employees are the product of immersion programs, which are extremely successful. Bridging the gap between the end of those programs and the job market can be difficult. Where can someone use their French skills in British Columbia, for example? We support initiatives like French for the future, which target this very thing.
It's worth the effort. If I can leave you with one message, it is to continue supporting forums that bring together the business community and bilingual and French-language education stakeholders—whether they represent francophone or immersion programs. These forums provide opportunities for the two to connect and plan for the future. People need to be told that it still makes sense to pursue a French-language education in British Columbia because jobs are available for them.
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Liberal
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Liberal
Dan Vandal Liberal Saint Boniface—Saint Vital, MB
Okay. First, I'd like to apologize for my tardiness.
Second, on page 17 of your brief, I see that the percentage of bilingual employees at the Winnipeg airport—I represent the Saint-Boniface—Saint-Vital riding—sits at 50%.
Am I reading that correctly?
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Senior Director, Government Affairs and Community Relations, Air Canada
Yes.
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Liberal
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General Manager, Linguistic Affairs and Diversity, Air Canada
It was thanks to our recent hiring effort.
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Liberal
Dan Vandal Liberal Saint Boniface—Saint Vital, MB
Were any partners involved?
Did you reach out to the community?
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Senior Director, Government Affairs and Community Relations, Air Canada
Yes.
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Director, Government Relations, Western Region, Air Canada
I believe there were instances of community involvement. We worked a lot with the Société franco-manitobaine, as well as other groups, including Université de Saint-Boniface.
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Senior Director, Government Affairs and Community Relations, Air Canada
We strive to recruit bilingual people all over, and we are happy those efforts are bearing fruit.
