Conclusion
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This study has shed light on some of the problems and issues that the new context of governance poses with respect to the vitality and development of the official language minorities. Our analysis of the Canada-community agreements has shown, among other things, that the absence of collective accountability mechanisms, a clearly defined division of responsibilities, well-defined criteria or rules of the game, and a new understanding of the development of the minorities make governance a risky bet for these minorities.
Thus far, the review of the new governance with respect to vitality and development has not been able to show whether it is a genuine means of encouraging greater cohesion and mobilizing the players within the minority communities. Many believe that, if this is to happen, the federal government will have to adopt a different attitude toward the official language minorities.
Further studies of the question of the governance of the official language minorities will be useful in effectively exploring all its dimensions and issues. In conclusion, we hope we have succeeded in laying the groundwork for an approach that will facilitate further exploration of the issue.
