Official Languages Committee on Sept. 22nd, 2022

[Marie-Nicole Dubois]

Precisely because there are no language conditions in the act. It's easy to make the cuts because there are no repercussions of any kind. I would do the same thing.

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

Okay.

You spoke with Mr. Godin about the importance of immigration. The FCFA came up with some numbers. All the committee members are aware of the amendments submitted by the FCFA. We are thoroughly familiar with them, and we know what it wants. You've done an effective job with your lobbying efforts.

As for the percentage, 4% was discussed. At one point, the FCFA mentioned 10% to 20% instead. What does that mean for you in your community in British Columbia? How would Bill C-13 strengthen that?

[Marie-Nicole Dubois]

As we know, there is strength in numbers. At the moment, the number of francophones back home is decreasing. What's been proposed would enable us to increase the number of francophones in our community and enhance our ability to speak out.

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

When francophone immigrants arrive at Vancouver airport, are there any service counters that can serve them in French?

[Marie-Nicole Dubois]

We're working very hard on that. Only recently, a space was set up at the airport where messages are posted in French. We're very proud of it. It's a start. However, while receiving service in French is possible, it still takes a lot of effort.

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

If francophone immigrants go to British Columbia, what kinds of services can they expect to receive at this time?

[Marie-Nicole Dubois]

Basic services only. They can call Relais, which will steer them to the right places for their various needs to be addressed.

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

In short, with respect to Bill C-13, you are in favour of the amendments proposed by the FCFA. You said so in your opening address.

I have only 30 seconds left.

Out of curiosity, I'd like to know whether you had the opportunity to take part in the consultation on the new Action Plan for Official Languages.

[Marie-Nicole Dubois]

Not personally, but we submitted a brief.

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, René Arseneault]

Thank you, Mr. Drouin.

Ms. Dubois, the next questions for you will be coming from Mr. Mario Beaulieu, the second vice-chair of the committee.

Mr. Beaulieu, you have the floor for six minutes.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you for your testimony, Ms. Dubois.

You said that there were no language policies or legislation in British Columbia. Does that mean that there are no services in French? Is there a way of obtaining services in French?

[Marie-Nicole Dubois]

There are very few, and it's entirely dependent on the goodwill of the local people, because there is no specific policy.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

I would imagine that it's only francophones who can accommodate you.

Is there a way of getting federal services in French, or it it difficult?

[Marie-Nicole Dubois]

It depends on where you are. I would say that generally, it's hard. Let's just say that you can't expect to get them automatically. You need to work hard at it.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Are British Columbia francophones concentrated in one particular region or area?

[Marie-Nicole Dubois]

Not really. There's no concentration in any particular location.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

It must be very difficult then.

What's needed is increased francophone immigration to British Columbia. Now Charles Castonguay Looked into this for all of Canada, and found that assimilation was happening just as quickly for francophone immigrants, even on those occasions when they come from Quebec. This means that there are not many ways to make sure that people coming in as francophone immigrants are going to continue to use the French language or that they will be able to function in French.

[Marie-Nicole Dubois]

You really have to feel strongly about it.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

You really do.

Are there many francophones where you live or do you have to go out of your way to meet other francophones?

[Marie-Nicole Dubois]

I live in Victoria. I'm lucky to have a number of francophone people nearby.

Not only that, but as a member of the Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique, we get together to speak French.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Am I correct in saying that there are no French-language university services in British Columbia?

But there is Campus Saint-Jean, and we're told that it serves all of the western provinces.

[Marie-Nicole Dubois]

There's a small university program at Simon Fraser University, and we're very proud of it, but it is very small. We are sadly lacking from that standpoint. We would of course like to have more.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

So it's not easy.

Has there ever been, at any point in history, a higher percentage of francophones in British Columbia?

[Marie-Nicole Dubois]

I don't know how far back you want to go. In fact it was francophones who built British Columbia. So at one point, there were more. Up until the time of the gold rush, there were more francophones here.