Official Languages committee  All I can tell you on behalf of the members of our association is that every university is responsible for establishing its admission and graduation criteria. It prepares the curriculum necessary for earning a diploma. That's a question that could be put to our presidents, to our senates and our academic councils.

Official Languages committee  That's one of the reasons why the AUCC must do more. The AUCC represents 94 universities and colleges, from the smallest to the largest. Our mandate is essentially to defend their interests, which are much more general than that of strictly learning the second language. We are an area of consensus.

Official Languages committee  I simply wanted to say that I wouldn't offer an opinion on the imbalance, but Mr. Dulude mentioned a cash transfer of $3.235 billion in 2008-2009 for what's called the Canada Social Transfer. Obviously, the Canada Social Transfer goes to assistance for early childhood, postsecondary education and social programs.

Official Languages committee  I was simply going to say that we could tell each other some long stories, but you only have five minutes. Minister Moore was talking about his Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality before this committee two days ago. He said that the Roadmap was essentially the renewal of what was called the Dion Plan in our jargon.

Official Languages committee  What would an English-language university do in an anglophone environment to promote bilingualism and serve its students? In general, the universities exist to provide education and to certify studies by awarding degrees. The universities are also important players in the community and socio-cultural lives of their regions.

Official Languages committee  It's possible that people don't hear about the objective of promoting bilingualism everywhere, on all floors, between all the walls of the university. However, some people are more sensitive to the issue than others. You also have to make students and professors responsible for promoting bilingualism.

Official Languages committee  The entire issue of renewal of the Canadian public service is a considerable concern for current senior officials. The Association of Universities, which represents all Canadian universities, has met with the clerk of the Privy Council on a number of occasions, at the clerk's request.

Official Languages committee  Every university is responsible for establishing its admission and graduation criteria. It's a matter of academic freedom, which is a recognized principle across Canada and around the world. Currently, no university requires that a student know the second official language upon entry or at graduation.