Graham Fraser calls for stronger leadership

Graham Fraser, Commissioner of Official Languages, submitted his second annual report, which was based on the theme of leadership, on May 29, 2008.

The Commissioner’s analysis over the past year shows that the implementation of the Official Languages Act has reached a plateau and that the federal government as a whole is still having difficulty resolving systemic problems. "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," said Mr. Fraser during a press conference. "A clear global vision and coherent leadership are necessary if federal institutions are to meet some of the challenges related to official languages," he added. Mr. Fraser showed leadership in his annual report by presenting a renewed approach to his role as ombudsman of official languages. This new approach rests on two principles: a lasting and more effective resolution of complaints, and the prevention of problems that give rise to complaints.

The seven recommendations made by the Commissioner aim to improve the government’s coordination of its efforts related to official languages and achieve a greater number of concrete results.

Ontario’s French Language Services Commissioner, François Boileau, also published his annual report on June 17, 2008. Michel Carrier, Commissioner of Official Languages for New Brunswick, will release his annual report in November.

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The importance of the arts and culture in official language communities

The arts and culture play a key role in developing a strong sense of belonging and creating a dynamic community life. Minority Anglophone and Francophone communities are no exception. A healthy cultural and artistic environment is at the forefront of their development.

The study published by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages describes the various types of support provided by the federal government to the arts and culture sector of official language minority communities. This study also attempts to provide a better understanding of the challenges facing these communities.

The Commissioner of Official Languages, Graham Fraser, made a series of recommendations to improve the current situation and help the arts and culture thrive in the communities. An important recommendation to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Josée Verner, has already produced results. In fact, the Harper government included the arts and culture in its Roadmap for Canada’s Linguistic Duality 2008–2013: Acting for the Future, which is a follow-up to the Action Plan for Official Languages that expired on March 31.

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Community Revitalization: Trends and Opportunities for the English-speaking Communities of Quebec

In order to increase awareness of issues facing the English-speaking communities of Quebec and to mobilize its leaders, the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) convened at a national conference from February 29 to March 2, 2008 at the Université de Montréal.

Over 200 community leaders and government partners took stock of recent challenges and accomplishments. They also had the opportunity to suggest courses of action in key vitality sectors such as demography, health, education, justice and leadership.

The conference proceedings were published with the assistance of the Centre d’études ethniques des universités montréalaises, a key partner of the event.

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Vitality indicators for three English-speaking communities in Quebec

What is the situation of English-speaking communities in Quebec? What vitality objectives have the communities set for themselves? 

This study on the Lower North Shore, the Eastern Townships and Québec City identified two priority sectors for all three communities: youth and health services.

Published in June by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, the study provides tools to communities to plan developmental activities, foster partnerships with the public sector and measure results. 

The study on three English-speaking communities in Quebec identified objectives that also apply to, in some cases, the Francophone minority communities.  

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Second-language learning opportunities at Canadian universities

The Office of the Commissioner has undertaken a study on second-language learning opportunities at Canadian universities.

Interest in this issue is partially a result of the high number of graduates of immersion programs and other French-as-a-second-language learning programs who are currently studying or about to begin studying at the post-secondary level. The new socio-economic situation created by globalization and the skills required for the knowledge economy, including language skills and openness towards other cultures, are also important factors.

The study's objective is to enhance student’s knowledge of the opportunities that they have to develop their second language skills while pursuing their post-secondary education and preparing for their career.

The results of this study will provide a much clearer picture of what Canadian universities offer in terms of second-language learning.