Official Languages Committee on Feb. 5th, 2024

[Arielle Kayabaga, Liberal, London West, ON]

Do you think that the action plan for official languages 2023‑28 entitled “Protection, Promotion, Collaboration” contains programs and initiatives to support the skills development of adults in official language minority communities?

[Denis Desgagné]

We have always worked with Canadian Heritage to make our needs known across the country. The action plan provides a number of opportunities to work with departments. We submitted a five‑year plan, which helps us work across departments. As my colleague said, we haven't yet received any responses, except from small departments, which are very helpful.

[The Chair, Liberal, René Arseneault]

Thank you, Ms. Kayabaga.

Thank you, Mr. Desgagné and Ms. Audet.

Mr. Beaulieu, you have the floor for two and a half minutes.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I'd like to close the loop on your funding issues. Canadian Heritage is responsible for taking positive measures under part VII of the Official Languages Act. Are you meeting with any people from this department? We haven't been able to meet with the minister. It has been challenging. Have you had any meetings? Is it easy to reach them, or is it difficult to make requests?

[Denis Desgagné]

Really, if any department understands positive measures and the situation of francophone minority communities, it's Canadian Heritage. We're working with people in that department to change the culture of the other departments responsible for taking positive measures. I believe that this responsibility is shared by all federal institutions.

I can confirm that Canadian Heritage is working very closely with RESDAC.

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

In that case, why isn't your funding secured and why the uncertainty?

[Denis Desgagné]

The Department of Employment and Social Development manages the skills for success program. Our funding mainly came from this program. There was also the social partnership initiative for official language minority communities and the enabling fund for official language minority communities. This is all within the department.

In terms of community development, Canadian Heritage funds a significant part of the activities carried out by the 800 organizations listed in our brief.

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

You said that your main focus is on training the trainers. Do you provide many services in workplaces? Do you receive any requests from these places?

[Denis Desgagné]

Yes. That said, RESDAC is a network of organizations. RESDAC member organizations provide services in workplaces or organizations if they can meet the demand.

[The Chair, Liberal, René Arseneault]

Thank you, Mr. Desgagné.

That's all, Mr. Beaulieu. Two and a half minutes go by quickly.

Ms. Ashton, you have the floor for two and a half minutes.

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I'll focus on our committee's recommendations. I should note that you must be able to continue your work. To this end, the federal government must renew its support.

Ms. Audet, what recommendations could this committee make to support your work and meet your economic development needs in francophone communities?

[Mona Audet]

We spoke at length about the importance of giving our members and partners the opportunity to develop French programs designed by and for francophones. We often talk about the economy, but it's a broad field. Schools, organizations and community members all participate in the economy, along with businesses. In small communities, businesses are significant. If an anglophone business can be persuaded to hire young or not‑so‑young people, even though they only speak French, the economy will benefit.

I would recommend that the Government of Canada ensure that funds earmarked for francophones are given to francophones and to the appropriate people. Is it right to give grants to a group in Quebec that has no idea about the situation outside Quebec? It's time to sit down with francophone communities and discuss positive strategies for building strong communities across Canada.

That's one recommendation. I'm sure that Mr. Desgagné has more.

[Denis Desgagné]

Our president just spoke about the asymmetry issue. It's in our brief. We also need positive measures to support strategies for developing skills to succeed and flourish. We recommend this so that we can fulfill our mission and you can fulfill your mandate.

[The Chair, Liberal, René Arseneault]

That's all for now. You have only 10 seconds left, Ms. Ashton. Thank you.

There are two five‑minute rounds left, which will bring this second round to a close.

We'll give the floor to Bernard Généreux for five minutes.

Sorry. I see that Mr. Godin will be speaking this time.

Mr. Godin, you have the floor.

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I would like to hear your thoughts on the impact of your organization in your community.

Could you provide any statistics on the number of adult students and on recruitment from an economic standpoint? Are these people becoming rare gems in your community, and are they quickly drawn to work in companies? Are these people a way to address the labour shortage?

[Denis Desgagné]

You're already familiar with the network's literacy statistics. On average, more than half of francophones in minority communities haven't achieved a level that would allow them to flourish socially or economically. That's 52% of the francophone population in minority communities. That's an average. We know that, in New Brunswick, for example, the average is close to 70% for level 3. We're working in that environment.

Majority language organizations help meet the literacy needs of these people. However, since these services are provided in English, the problem continues to grow. That's the situation. We aren't on the ground meeting needs.

Since our last agreement, Mr. Godin, we've introduced tools for the first time that help our members identify supply and demand to meet their needs. We're increasingly working with economic development components to better meet our members' needs.

Francophones feel insecure. That insecurity is growing as a result of what we call the fourth industrial revolution. Technology can be a threat, not to mention financial insecurity. We're here to help these people get a foothold in the job market, or get better jobs and better living conditions.

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Do you think this practice is a way to assimilate francophones into official language minority communities?

[Denis Desgagné]

Well, it certainly has repercussions. As far as we’re concerned, we clearly see language insecurity flowing from it and we understand the repercussions of it all. That’s why we focus on this so much and give this type of presentation to anyone who will listen. We’re trying to help these people and make them feel secure about their linguistic cultural identity.

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

My next question may be more for Ms. Audet.

Your work is vital to training the workforce in official language minority communities. However, do you have the capacity to meet demand? If there is an increase in demand, do you have the tools and means to make it happen?

[Mona Audet]

That’s a big question, Mr. Godin. How might I best answer it?

We certainly don’t have the resources right now to meet the demand. That’s for sure.

It’s important to understand that we’ve conducted research and studies and worked with our partners, but there’s still work to be done. That’s why we need to ensure continuity. I’m talking here not only about RESDAC, but also about the other organizations that will all work together to ensure that the needs of francophones are met.

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Thank you, Ms. Audet.

[Mona Audet]

We have the—

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

I have to interrupt you right now, Ms. Audet.

[Mona Audet]

Oh, that’s a shame.

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Actually, the Chair is indicating that I have a little more time. I’ll let you continue, and then I’ll have another question.