Official Languages committee  I wouldn't want to give the impression that I'm opposed to the idea of amending the Official Languages Act. On the contrary, I'm in favour of it. Incidentally, I had the privilege of representing the Acadians of Nova Scotia in the electoral districts case. It was an honour for me

Official Languages committee  We didn't win.

Official Languages committee  We pleaded the case before the Federal Court. We argued, under part VII of the act, that a violation had been committed. Part VII, which had been amended in 2005, had become justiciable in the courts. We pleaded the entire case, but the day before the judge was to render his deci

Official Languages committee  I wouldn't say it no longer means anything. We should continue analyzing part VII despite Judge Gascon's decision. The federal government's argument at the time was that part VII isn't affected by the cancellation of a program, just as a forest is unaffected by the felling of a

Official Languages committee  Exactly. It would be preferable to do that rather than wait for a court decision that defines or doesn't define what a positive measure is. Appealing Judge Gascon's decision is one thing, but that doesn't prevent the government from finding a solution to define what constitutes

Official Languages committee  You grant it the authority to order damages where the judge deems it appropriate. Damages are not an exact science, like mathematics. You and I are lawyers, and we know that. I'm also an industrial relations arbitrator. I sometimes order damages, and I can tell you it's not an ex

Official Languages committee  Absolutely.

Official Languages committee  It has to be done. I think we have to be more aggressive now in the remedies we seek.

Official Languages committee  I think it has to ensure that the majority in Canada realizes that recognition of the two official languages is a fundamental value in our federation. It must increase the awareness that people in the schools, universities, social clubs and everywhere else have of this fundamenta

Official Languages committee  Regardless of whether it's the Official Languages Act or another act, I wouldn't want a repeat of a situation in which the program or policy would be cancelled by a regulatory decision. I think the Court Challenges Program is essential for the communities. I've used it. I led the

Official Languages committee  I'll let someone else answer on the governance issue. To my mind, what's even more important is that there be the political will to ensure those rights are fully implemented. Whether it be the Privy Council, the Treasury Board, Canadian Heritage or any other organization, the go

Official Languages committee  In that case, we'd wind up in court.

Official Languages committee  I doubt the institutions that would have to administer the act would be interested in doing so if the government wasn't interested.

Official Languages committee  I look at what's happening back home in New Brunswick. As a result of the lack of interest of successive governments, the various departments and institutions aren't very interested in implementing the provincial Official Languages Act. That lack of interest and will infects all

Official Languages committee  That era's over.