Summary
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Since the beginning of her mandate, the Commissioner of Official Languages has repeatedly drawn attention to the erosion of public commitment to official languages. Inaction, indifference and lack of leadership were placing historical gains at risk. After several years with few significant accomplishments, the federal government is beginning to turn things around. In the 2002-2003 Annual Report, the Commissioner points to concrete action, notable progress and the beginning of a change in culture.
One of the most welcome initiatives, and the high point of the year, is without a doubt the Action Plan for Official Languages. The investment of funds and the establishment of clear objectives make this plan one of the greatest expressions of leadership on official languages in the past decade. This plan will create new synergy throughout the federal government and Canadian society. Full implementation of this plan, like the implementation of the Official Languages Act, nevertheless requires a sustained effort by the federal administration. With a roadmap in hand, administrators will now have to take up the challenge of transforming the objectives into tangible results.
The experience of recent years nevertheless points to the reluctance of some institutions subject to the Act to meet their linguistic obligations. This year was no exception. In spite of all the good will and success stories, it is unfortunate that certain federal institutions prefer to wait for the imposition of strict disciplinary measures. Instead of taking decisive action of their own accord to promote the equality of both official languages, some public servants or leaders remain uncooperative. Some do not recognize obvious shortcomings and others leave their plans on the shelf or do not meet deadlines. Such procrastination is the reason why the Commissioner needs to spend considerable effort year after year to keep official languages on the list of government priorities. There will always be room for improvement in the complex workings of government. Without political and administrative leadership to support them, all plans and strategies to revitalize the Official Languages Program will, sooner or later, run out of steam.
Our official languages represent a fundamental value for Canadian society. Citizens in both majority and minority communities are called on to participate actively in linguistic duality. The action plan and other recent initiatives provide new opportunities to get involved and take more responsibility. While this is a collective undertaking, each and every one of us must contribute to it in our own way. Personal effort often has a broader ripple effect throughout society, and so we encourage those who, through their exemplary actions, work toward strengthening both of our official languages.
