Official Languages committee  There most certainly is a problem.

Official Languages committee  It's true that, up until now, translation has not been mentioned in the two plans because the problem had not been brought to our attention. In response to everything that has transpired, we are currently adjusting the plan to ensure that the translation issue is addressed and that improvements are made.

Official Languages committee  We have certainly received some translation-related complaints. The word “translation” does not appear in the plan, since we take a different approach to resolving the issue. We aim to improve our staff members' knowledge of their official languages rights and obligations. Translation is addressed in the sense that we look to make employees more aware of their obligation to produce documents in both official languages simultaneously and equally.

Official Languages committee  We also have translators in the regions.

Official Languages committee  Unfortunately, I don't have the numbers with me.

Official Languages committee  Yes, of course.

Official Languages committee  That's something that will be up to the regions to decide. We will have to ensure that we're meeting the requirements. We will do whatever is necessary to do so. If that means hiring translators, we will find a way to hire some. Translators from the regions have been helping out to ensure that we don't end up with a similar situation on our hands.

Official Languages committee  Yes. We will do what's necessary to ensure that the problem is fixed.

Official Languages committee  Do you mean exact steps regarding translation?

Official Languages committee  We will meet our obligations. During our meetings, one of the measures that was implemented immediately was to use... As a show of solidarity, the regions have offered the services of their translators. To date, one of the proposed solutions has been adopted, that is, having British Columbia use translators from other regions for its translations.

Official Languages committee  Yes. We are increasingly encouraging the use of Public Works services. As I said, the regions are sharing their translators. Job competitions have also been posted in British Columbia. We will certainly continue investing efforts into becoming compliant.

Official Languages committee  Yes. Normally, we provide an official languages review to the Treasury Board every two years. This used to be a yearly practice. We were not asked to submit a review for 2009-2010. It's probably in 2010-2011 that we will have to report on all our activities regarding the implementation of the program and the Official Languages Act.

Official Languages committee  The instructions are simple: it is always a matter of complying with the law and ensuring that the program and the measures that we implement are compliant. The goal is to promote the agenda, to move it forward and to enhance compliance.

Official Languages committee  We have prepared a few comments for the commissioner in the past. However, we were never called in to speak about subjects related to official languages compliance.

Official Languages committee  Yes, there is currently one in-house translator.