QUESTION PERIOD — Canadian Heritage
Next Action Plan for Official Languages
March 1, 2022
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
First, I would like to acknowledge that it is Senator Griffin’s last week in the Senate. I want to thank her very much for her work on behalf of all Canadians, and particularly citizens of the Maritimes. Thank you, Senator Griffin.
Senator Gold, since this is Francophonie Month and today will be remembered as the day Bill C-13 to modernize the Official Languages Act was introduced in the other place, I am pleased to announce the results of a recent public opinion survey. It was conducted last fall by Environics Research for the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages and found that more than 87% of Canadians support official languages. The Commissioner of Official Languages, Raymond Théberge, noted that the poll numbers should, and I quote, “help leaders draft the next Action Plan for Official Languages.”
It goes without saying that the Action Plan for Official Languages that will be expiring in 2023 is a key positive measure for enhancing the vitality of official language minority communities.
My question is the following, Senator Gold. When does the government plan to start drafting the next action plan for official languages? How does it intend to consult official language minority communities and take their needs into consideration during the drafting process?
Thank you for raising this question.
As you mentioned, the current Action Plan for Official Languages is in effect until 2023. I am told that the government will be launching consultations on the next action plan shortly and that details should be announced in the coming months.
Senator Gold, according to the 2018‑23 Action Plan for Official Languages, the government has committed $2.5 million over five years to initiatives led by partners such as the City of Ottawa. We know that municipalities, especially those in a minority situation, have a crucial role to play in supporting the development and vitality of official language minority communities.
Senator Gold, given that municipalities fall under provincial jurisdiction, how will the federal government support their invaluable contribution to the development and vitality of linguistic communities? Will it be through a provision in the new version of the act, targeted measures in the next action plan for official languages, or some other means?
Thank you for the question. Since coming to power in 2015, the government has made significant investments in official languages, strengthening the institutions and infrastructure that support official languages minority communities, or OLMCs. As part of these positive obligations under the Official Languages Act, the government encourages and supports governments in fostering the development of francophone and anglophone minorities by providing municipal services in both official languages and having them receive instructions in their own language.
I also note that the new version of the bill includes support for non-profit organizations that provide many support services to OLMCs.
