Official Languages committee  Thank you.

Official Languages committee  Thank you. Obviously contribution agreements are the first mechanism through which we can ensure VANOC complies with its official language requirements. These agreements allow for the inclusion of very specific clauses on these requirements. Moreover, through the Vancouver 2010 Games Secretariat and the two official languages units, which are in constant communication, there is a discussion and oversight process in place.

Official Languages committee  We can do that. If the contribution agreement conditions are not complied with—

Official Languages committee  VANOC is required to urge sponsors to do so.

Official Languages committee  The organizing committee's responsibilities are very clearly laid out in the multiparty agreement and, as I mentioned, the third party issue is being explored right now.

Official Languages committee  As I mentioned, the multiparty agreement requires VANOC to urge third parties, its partners, to use both official languages.

Official Languages committee  VANOC urges its sponsors to use both official languages and provides them with support services. It offers support to sponsors who need assistance from bilingual staff. It offers information indicating where the resources are available, etc. For example, if sponsors need translation services or...

Official Languages committee  I am very sorry but I really cannot answer your question, since anything to do with satellite broadcasting or reception of satellite signals is really outside my mandate. What I can tell you is that there are discussions underway with CBC/Radio-Canada as a follow-up to the CRTC hearings to see how the consortium and CBC/Radio-Canada could work together to fill in possible gaps in the broadcasting of the games.

Official Languages committee  We always take the Commissioner of Official Languages' recommendations very seriously and we try to follow up on them the best we can. In the case of this particular recommendation, the issue is a very complex one. We are looking at the various ramifications to see how we can respond to it.

Official Languages committee  With respect to broadcasting, as I mentioned earlier, the consortium made a presentation to the committee of deputy ministers responsible for the games and announced that the consortium also included French television networks such as Réseau des sports, Réseau Info-Sports and TQS.

Official Languages committee  I do not have any specific answer for you. I can only say that CTVglobemedia is determined to ensure that coverage across Canada is as complete as possible and that it is fair for francophones and anglophones. However, guaranteeing 100% coverage everywhere may not be a commitment that the company can make.

Official Languages committee  —or the committee intends to do so. I believe that they will be able to answer that question. When they made their presentation to the committee of deputy ministers, their intention was definitely to provide the broadest coverage possible and reach all Canadians. The network will also be using new technologies and Internet sites.

Official Languages committee  The Official Languages Act contains obligations for all departments, particularly with regard to language of service. Through this tour of federal institutions, we are trying to understand and respond to the concerns, and the mechanisms that can be implemented, including a sharing of best practices and review of departments' legal obligations with regard to services.

Official Languages committee  Yes, if I might, I would begin with the recommendation that was made by the Commissioner of Official Languages regarding the hiring of an additional employee. That has been done. VANOC immediately responded to that recommendation. As for the show that we were talking about, I believe that it has allowed us to understand that there are different perspectives about what constitutes programming that is representative of francophone culture.

Official Languages committee  It was completely choreographed.