Ottawa, April 11, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement from the Commissioner of Official Languages – The Supreme Court of Canada clarifies RCMP’s linguistic obligations
Today, the Commissioner of Official Languages, Mr. Graham Fraser, applauded the Supreme Court of Canada decision in Société des Acadiens et Acadiennes du Nouveau‑Brunswick Inc. v. Canada, in which he intervened. This case was brought before the courts in 2002 by the Société des Acadiens et Acadiennes du Nouveau‑Brunswick (SAANB) and by Ms. Paulin who had filed a complaint with the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages.
“I am delighted that the Supreme Court has taken a broad interpretation of linguistic duality. In a choice between generosity and the lowest common denominator, the Court chose the higher standard.
Further to this unanimous decision, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) must respect the constitutional rights that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms grants to the New Brunswick people and provide services in both official languages throughout the province.
Through its decision, the Supreme Court has clarified the linguistic rights of the citizens of New Brunswick. It is now clear that the RCMP has the constitutional obligation to serve the public in both official languages throughout New Brunswick.
As Canada’s ombudsman of official languages, I sought leave to intervene in this case in support of the SAANB’s position because of its impact on the Acadian community of New Brunswick. This case will also have an impact on the language and constitutional rights of all Canadians. The Court stipulated that the RCMP retains its status as a federal institution in all provinces where it provides provincial police services and that it must respect its obligations under the federal Official Languages Act at all times.
I am pleased to note that this decision also confirms that a government cannot, by way of an agreement, dispose of its linguistic obligations that are set out in the Charter.”
Graham Fraser
Commissioner of Official Languages
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