Ottawa, February 12, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CRTC report on French-language broadcasting services in a minority environment: Good news for Francophone communities
The Commissioner of Official Languages, Dr. Dyane Adam, welcomes the recommendations contained in the CRTC report published today on French-language broadcasting services in a minority environment (Public Notice 2001-25).
"The CRTC has conducted a serious analysis of an issue that has been of great concern to Francophone communities for many years. The broadcasting sector is undergoing a transition from analog mode to new digital technologies. The CRTC is protecting access to French-language broadcasting in analog mode but more importantly, it is looking ahead to the future to plan and improve services. I feel that this report marks a major turning point since it clearly establishes guidelines to ensure better access to television and radio services in the French language throughout Canada", declared Dr. Adam.
The Commissioner considers that the report recognizes, as it should, the status of French and English as official languages of Canada. It will serve as a tool to actively promote the development of Francophone and Acadian communities. The recommendations will allow for a better balance in broadcasting services in the French and English languages in Canada, as intended by the Broadcasting Act and the Official Languages Act.
Finally, Dr. Adam is pleased that the CRTC has taken into consideration her concerns regarding access to the debates of the House of Commons in both official languages on CPAC. The Commissioner will closely follow the CRTC's deliberations on this subject.
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