Official Languages committee  We started with the model and we've built on it. The model was the general strategic orientation, but, from there, action had to be taken, concrete measures.

Official Languages committee  I can answer that question, as I was director of recruitment for the Canadian Forces. When we recruit military members, we recruit Canadians; we're not recruiting anglophones or francophones. So we don't have any quotas. From that point, every candidate is assessed; that is to say that we assess their military potential—a score is assigned to that—and their academic potential, if they want to go to a military college, for example.

Official Languages committee  I've been working on it since July 2007.

Official Languages committee  The Transformation Model has been in effect since April 2007. Since July 2007, with a renewed team, we've put a lot of effort into drafting and introducing the policies underlying our work. The review of the linguistic designation of Canadian Forces units is another tool through which we can determine the units' language of work.

Official Languages committee  I'm going to let the school commanders answer.

Official Languages committee  Yes. I think you have to put things into perspective. Saying that it would be desirable for all instructors at the national schools to be bilingual is one thing, but saying it's achievable in spite of the way in which people are posted, the operational tempo, etc., is another. In addition, some courses are given exclusively in French and others exclusively in English.

Official Languages committee  The answer is yes.

Official Languages committee  Yes, because we operate based on needs, based on a functional approach. For example, a francophone from Saint-Georges de Beauce who enrols as an infantryman will receive his recruit instruction in Saint-Jean, then will be posted to an infantry battalion at Valcartier. As an infantryman of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment at the Citadelle, for example, his language of work is French.

Official Languages committee  We already have results for the generals. The first objective was for the lieutenant-generals to obtain the CBC language profile before December 31, 2007. That objective was achieved. The second objective concerned the major-generals, those we commonly called “two-star” generals.

Official Languages committee  Perhaps I could add one point. We're talking about making a change in organizational culture. In the navy, in combat units, on the frigates, there was a French-language unit: in Quebec City. With the review of the linguistic designations of units, the navy will be adding two ships that will be bilingual in the next few years, with a view subsequently to making them francophone ships.

Official Languages committee  Two ships that are currently English-language units are being converted to bilingual units, and those ships will become French-language units within four years. It takes a certain amount of time to make the transition, build a team and ensure that people are reassigned. So, in the Canadian navy, instead of having just one francophone unit, there will eventually be three so that people can have equal chances to serve.

Official Languages committee  We have an internal complaints system protecting the individual's identity.

Official Languages committee  The short answer is no. As director of official languages, I would say we would definitely like more. Except that, at some point, it becomes a matter of balance with other things. The network of official language coordinators was reinvigorated—if I can use that term—two years ago.

Official Languages committee  Thank you very much for that information. I'll take note of it. However, all our translation goes through the Translation Bureau, which has connections. I meet with the file manager at Public Works and Government Services Canada who is responsible for translation, and I make sure that that officer is able to communicate with the various branches and prioritize the translation.

Official Languages committee  It's in addition, madam.