Ottawa, July 19, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Re-opening of the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean an important first step,
says Commissioner of Official Languages
The Commissioner of Official Languages, Graham Fraser, made the following statement in response to the announcement by the Department of National Defence that the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean will be offering a new two-year program for future Canadian Forces officers.
"The creation of the College militaire royal in 1952 was very important for the Canadian military, and Canadian society. For 43 years, this institution provided an excellent training and learning environment for Francophone recruits, as well as an exceptional immersion environment for Anglophones who wished to improve their skills in French. Its closing in 1995 caused long-term problems for the Canadian Forces. I am pleased to see that the first step has been taken in the re-establishment of this important institution, which has contributed a great deal to the history of Canada’s linguistic duality.
“It is important that the men and women who choose to serve their country in the Canadian Forces and accept the inherent risks involved are able to do so in an environment that respects their preferred official language. It is important that Canadian military leadership be taught - and learned - in both official languages.”
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For more information, please contact:
Robin Cantin
Manager, Media Relations
Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
Telephone: 613-995-0374
Cellular: 613-324-0999
Toll-free: 1-877-996-6368
E-mail: robin.cantin@ocol-clo.gc.ca
