Madam Speaker, on February 25, 2016, the Prime Minister announced the introduction of a new approach to Governor in Council appointments. The new approach is more open and transparent, representative of Canadian diversity, and merit-based.
The Government of Canada considers the function of the Commissioner of Official Languages to be very important since the incumbent is responsible for enforcing the Official Languages Act across Canada.
Ghislaine Saikaley was appointed acting commissioner on December 19, 2016, to ensure the normal and continued operations of the office of the commissioner until a new commissioner is appointed. Her interim appointment was renewed on June 22, 2017.
On July 28, 2017, the Government of Canada relaunched the recruitment process for the next Commissioner of Official Languages.
We will ensure that we identify the best candidate for this position.
This government sees promoting our official languages from coast to coast as a priority that defines our country and its great diversity.