Official Languages committee  The government announced the highlights of the plan in June. It was a $1.1 billion plan over five years containing a number of envelopes. I said how relieved I was to learn of that announcement. I was quite concerned because there were no figures on that in last year's budget. However, I'm still waiting for the details.

Official Languages committee  Yes.

Official Languages committee  There was that complaint and others. Border Services is facing considerable challenges. We were in touch with the department and, in particular, with the Ottawa Airport people. We had quite intense discussions in an effort to make them aware of and realize their obligations. So we're taking this issue seriously and we're getting to work to ensure the institution corrects the existing deficiencies.

Official Languages committee  You always have to be measured when you make that assessment. If you compare the situation 40 years ago with that of today, there has obviously been progress. The public service was virtually unilingual 40 years ago. The country's francophones had major difficulties obtaining the right to basic services.

Official Languages committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. First, I want to offer you my congratulations. This is the first time I have seen you since the election. That may seem a while ago for you, but I congratulate you all the same. It's always a pleasure to be here before the committee. I would also like to thank the Chairman for introducing my team, particularly since it has been renewed.

Official Languages committee  Mr. Chairman, I believe that it would indeed be very important for the government to act if TQS is not in a position to provide the service it committed to under contract.

Official Languages committee  Mr. Chairman, I will choose my words carefully. We have a fundamental disagreement with the CBC and Radio-Canada regarding their responsibilities under the Official Languages Act, in particular Part VII of the Act, which obliges federal institutions to take positive measures to promote the development of minority language communities.

Official Languages committee  We sent out the questionnaire this week. I signed the letters to all the various heads of institutions. We're hoping the information will be collected in the fall and the report will be finished by the end of the year.

Official Languages committee  I am hesitant to speak to the future of a television network, since the issue far exceeds my mandate. All I know is that TQS is currently before the CRTC. We are aware of the fragility of the situation, but we have no other information. We will take the situation into account when the time is right.

Official Languages committee  If I have read my terms of reference correctly, they are English and French.

Official Languages committee  No, Mr. Chairman.

Official Languages committee  In fact, Mr. Furlong told me about an agreement. At that time, negotiations were on the way so that passengers arriving at the Vancouver International Airport will already be on a Olympic site. Consequently, all measures to ensure that an Olympic site functions in both official languages will apply to the Vancouver Airport.

Official Languages committee  That's what I understand about this matter, but Ms. Scott heard other things that you haven't mentioned.

Official Languages committee  It has reacted positively. It is becoming aware of the scope of the challenge. It is visiting schools and making contacts with minority communities. For example, we hope to see the implementation of an assessment process to verify whether people who say they are bilingual are really able to serve people in both languages.

Official Languages committee  Mr. Chair, that is exactly why we are raising the issue of the Olympic Games when we talk to other institutions, such as the RCMP or National Defence. Renald, perhaps you could speak about the discussions we have had with other institutions, with regard to the Olympic Games.