Ottawa, May 29, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Graham Fraser calls on the Prime Minister to assume a coherent leadership role in relation to official languages
The absence of an overall vision explains the lacklustre performance of the federal government in official languages matters, the Commissioner of Official Languages, Graham Fraser, said today following the tabling of his 2007–2008 Annual Report.
“The initiative that will replace the Action Plan for Official Languages is an example of a commitment that is slow in being honoured and an example of tentative and uncertain leadership,” Fraser said.
“Minister Verner and Prime Minister Harper have had the report on the consultations undertaken on this subject for several months, but have still not announced any concrete measures. In fact, the situation almost feels like a Samuel Beckett play that could be called Waiting for the Action Plan,” he continued. “I am not interested in spending another year watching a drama in suspended animation as the government marks time.”
“The government continues to support Canada’s linguistic duality in principle; however, this support has not led to a global vision in terms of government policies and the public service,” continued Mr. Fraser. “I have noted that, yet again this year, very little progress has been made in several areas of activity. In fact, the data in my report show that the language of work situation has even worsened in some institutions.”
“A clear global vision and coherent leadership are necessary if federal institutions are to meet some of the challenges related to official languages,” added the Commissioner, who considers public service renewal, language of work in federal institutions and demographic changes to be three important issues. “My annual report is intended to provide an overview of these challenges, and my recommendations should be considered as ways for the government to meet them.”
The seven recommendations made in the Commissioner’s report aim to improve the government’s coordination of its efforts related to official languages and the achievement of a greater number of concrete results.
The Commissioner underlined the importance of learning Canada’s official languages. “The objective of the Official Languages Act has never been to make all Canadians bilingual. However, opportunities to learn both of the country’s official languages are a source of enrichment for our society as a whole. The federal government must take action with the provinces and territories, so that Canadians who want to take advantage of the two languages and two cultures have access to stimulating and rewarding learning opportunities,” Mr. Fraser said.
“I therefore call on the government to show more coherence and put their good intentions into practice. In short, I ask the government to show leadership instead of simply managing the file,” Mr. Fraser concluded.
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