Official Languages committee  There are two types of responses when we follow up on commissioner's recommendations. First, in 80% of cases, federal institutions implement the recommendations. However, in 20% of cases, taking action is difficult. First, in recent years, we have observed a kind of levelling off in official languages in federal institutions.

Official Languages committee  In 2018, the office launched a very broad consultation program on the modernization of the act. We started with in-person meetings with more than 300 association representatives, stakeholders, experts and researchers. Afterwards, we carried out an online survey focusing on aspects of modernization to be prioritized, which was completed by 4,200 Canadians.

Official Languages committee  As I said already, additional funding would help us increase our research, communication and promotion activities. Obviously, the office will never have the same funds for its promotional activities as a government or even a department. So it is up to departments or federal institutions, which have the resources to do so, to take responsibility for any national campaigns.

Official Languages committee  There have been some talks and discussions with Statistics Canada over the past few years to enable us to better identify those language variables. That is extremely important. First, it is a matter of being able to identify francophones and, second, to determine points of service, the geographic location, and so on.

Official Languages committee  The two cases you brought up are currently under investigation. So I don't have much to say about this.

Official Languages committee  However, there is an important consideration regarding complaints, which is that nearly 30% of them are resolved through the facilitated resolution approach. For example, if someone notices that a website is not available in both official languages, they call us, and we resolve the issue.

Official Languages committee  The number of complaints has varied since 2012-2013. One year, we received nearly 1,000 complaints, but that number dropped to 800 the following year. This year, however, the number of complaints increased by 21% over the previous year. Have we reached a new high and is this our new norm?

Official Languages committee  I can't say that was the case. However, every time a new institution is created—or at least in very many cases—we note that it is not really conscious of its official languages obligations. As I was saying earlier, the workplace is changing a lot. One of the areas I am thinking about is the travelling public, which is the source of many of the complaints we receive.

Official Languages committee  More than 50% of complaints focused on part IV—the part that concerns communications with and services to the public.

Official Languages committee  Yes, over 50% of them have to do with part IV.

Official Languages committee  Our office's mandate is the protection and promotion of linguistic duality. That is why the government decided, a long time ago, to provide us with funding to enable us to fulfill our mandate, both in terms of the protection aspect and the promotion aspect. Our office's history stretches further back than that of other parliamentary agencies.

Official Languages committee  Yes. We have more employees. As I was saying earlier, there has been a significant increase in complaints. Some other commissioners have also noted an increase in complaints, and they're seeking additional funds, as well.

Official Languages committee  Yes. During the fiscal year that ended on March 31, we received a record number of complaints—1,086. That is unprecedented, and it has clearly resulted in a lot of work. Investigations must follow steps, and we must ensure that they are always properly conducted. So it is true that Canadians are increasingly aware of their rights and increasingly prepared to assert their rights with federal institutions.

Official Languages committee  I will let Mr. Trépanier answer part of the question, and I will then answer the other part.

Official Languages committee  The second part of your question was about whether or not the amount is sufficient. As I said, right now, we are capable of managing the increase in complaints. However, there are still some areas where we could do more, such as in education, research, audits and follow-ups. It is extremely important to properly understand the context we are operating within.