Official Languages committee  I would like to add a quick comment to what Dr. Conway said concerning the issue Ms. Boucher raised earlier. In a minority setting, it is often necessary to start by providing a service before a demand is created, which pretty much contradicts free market principles. The service

Official Languages committee  Yes, of course.

Official Languages committee  That's correct. Without going into too much detail, as the case is before the courts, I can confirm that we have used our right of appeal and are currently before the courts in appeal. I also think we are ready to take it as far as the Supreme Court of Canada if necessary.

Official Languages committee  When it happened....

Official Languages committee  No. Since we went to court, the government has changed at both levels—at the federal level and in British Columbia. The current agreements have been standardized by the provincial public service, and they have been renewed or are currently been renewed, so they are in the works a

Official Languages committee  We have conducted consultations. We were looking for an immediate solution or corrective action.

Official Languages committee  We have consulted a number of stakeholders—political parties, but also lawyers and constitutional experts. It was rather legal professionals who convinced us that it was better to wait.

Official Languages committee  Lawyers.

Official Languages committee  They convinced us that the idea itself was interesting, but that the approach was not really realistic in the context of overhauling the act, and that it may have undesirable results for us. According to them, it was better to wait.

Official Languages committee  They are operating somewhat like us—in other words, a number of them have multi-annual agreements.

Official Languages committee  The agreements date back to the roadmap.

Official Languages committee  We need to distinguish based on funding sources. Those who receive Heritage Canada's program funding, which has been increased by 20% this year, have nearly all received a letter from minister Joly announcing the imminent arrival of that money. Currently, the federation and one

Official Languages committee  If you don't mind, first I'll answer your comment concerning the timing of the Action Plan funds. Like most of my colleagues around this table, we have just received a letter from the Minister of Canadian Heritage assuring us that the additional funds will be sent to us soon. We

Official Languages committee  We have about 40 members. All of the sectors are represented, of course.

Official Languages committee  As well as social services. Everyone is there. You asked what we would like to see in a modernized version of the Official Languages Act, and my answer is that insofar as we are concerned, it's simple. Of course because of the Gascon ruling—if the members of the committee have n