QUESTION PERIOD — Canadian Heritage
Modernization of the Official Languages Act
September 24, 2025
Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Leader, in June 2023, the government passed Bill C-13 concerning the modernization of the Official Languages Act. Many of its basic provisions, however, were to come into force later, on a day to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council.
More specifically, I am referring to new section 37, which creates a parliamentary committee to permanently review the act’s implementation, and section 54 on the enactment of An Act respecting the use of French in federally regulated private businesses in Quebec and in regions with a strong francophone presence. Since then, it has been radio silence, no sound, no picture. At the time, the government said these provisions would come into force within 18 months. In the meantime, 28 months have come and gone.
Leader, can you explain why your government is dragging its feet when it comes to implementing these new provisions of the act?
Senator Carignan, if sound and picture are what you want, you will have them. Tomorrow, the minister responsible for this act will be in this very chamber for question period. That means you can ask this question again.
I am well aware of the delays involved in implementing and tabling the regulations. I’m told that the drafting process is substantially advanced and that the regulations will soon be tabled. Once again, tomorrow you will have an opportunity to raise the matter with the minister directly.
Thank you. We certainly don’t need to worry not getting a picture if the minister is here. He’s pretty good at that.
The Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada is going to be the first to come out publicly before Parliament to denounce the Carney government’s lack of clarity on official languages and francophone issues. That organization is very concerned about how long it’s taking the government to strengthen protections for the rights of francophone minority communities.
Leader, is promoting and protecting Canada’s two official languages truly a priority for this government or, to paraphrase the Minister of Public Safety, is it merely a ploy to win votes?
As a francophone, I can tell you that I will be the first to step up and defend the issue of minority languages in Canada. Furthermore, I know the government takes this issue very seriously, particularly in light of the amendments to the Official Languages Act. Tomorrow you will have the opportunity not only to see that picture you were looking forward to, but also to hear reassurances from the minister himself during his appearance before the Senate.
