Official Languages committee  As regards the second visit to Borden, I think that I can say the situation had improved somewhat. As to whether we saw any examples, I'll ask Denis to answer, since he's the director of the enquête.

Official Languages committee  I cannot answer that question. I don't know what they're told. I know they have to go to basic training somewhere, and there are only certain places they can get it. Certainly with respect to this issue, we received the information. We went back to Borden in January. I apologi

Official Languages committee  The issue of whether they've changed the linguistic profile for senior officers may be something the official languages commissioner will look at when he's looking at his vérification de l'apprentissage. We went out to bases, we saw unfairness in how these recruits were being t

Official Languages committee  No, not at all.

Official Languages committee  No.

Official Languages committee  Certainly, it is a challenge sometimes to find people who have the specific technical qualifications and are bilingue. We're having people take these courses who need to understand, usually for matters of safety and also so that they can get ahead in the Canadian Forces, so that

Official Languages committee  No, that is not true. I have been working in the Office of the Ombudsman for five years and it is our role to make recommendations to obtain positive changes within the department.

Official Languages committee  I think it's fair to say that what we found won't necessarily be solved by resources. In lots of cases it's a question of attitude, just changing the attitude and making people aware that people have the right to operate in the official language of their choice. That is one thing

Official Languages committee  I think we just have to make sure the department takes it seriously, and they will have to make some effort to find people and to teach these courses. It's only a matter of fairness that the students are entitled to get these courses in the language they can understand.

Official Languages committee  I agree with you, there are problems everywhere. That is why we are going to assist the Commissioner of Official Languages during his audit, so that training in the Canadian Forces, be it provided by an instructor, an entrepreneur or a public servant, is in both languages.

Official Languages committee  I agree with you. The courses should be provided in both languages, to be fair and equitable for all members of the Canadian Forces.

Official Languages committee  The first time Mr. Côté went to CBF Borden was in November 2006.

Official Languages committee  In January 2007, he pointed out the problems to the Chief of Defence Staff.

Official Languages committee  I believe there are also subcontractors involved. Since they give courses within the department, they should give them in both official languages, as is the case in the public service.

Official Languages committee  My office believes that new members of the military should be treated in a fair and equitable manner. It is not necessarily an issue of resources, that is the department's problem.