Official Languages committee  Not only is the quality lower, but the context isn't the same. The federal government has its own jargon, and it's very difficult for subcontractors to use that particular language in training. So there's a quality problem in several respects.

Official Languages committee  Yes, there is more outsourcing in the public service in general, not just in language training.

Official Languages committee  This is certainly the case from a mental health perspective. People who have trouble understanding are worried and more stressed...

Official Languages committee  If employees do not feel well equipped to speak French, whether it is their first or second language, it will affect the population receiving services. We see this with employees who are contracted out to agencies. They claim to be bilingual, when in fact they are not. So they have tremendous difficulty providing adequate services to the population in one language or the other.

Official Languages committee  I was just about to give the floor to Mr. Silas to finish our presentation.

Official Languages committee  Okay. I understand.

Official Languages committee  Certainly. I will make sure to speak a bit more slowly. I have been working for the Government of Canada for 19 years, and I am very concerned about the ability of workers like me to use the official language in which they are most comfortable. I would like to share with you some testimony from our members.

Official Languages committee  Apologies, I was on the telephone with the technician to try to resolve my video issues. Thank you very much for this welcome. My name is Chantal Fortin, and I am the Alternate Regional Executive Vice-President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, National Capital Region.