Official Languages

The Vitality of Quebec's English-Speaking Communities: From Myth to Reality

Date:                  2011
Chair:                 Hon. Maria Chaput (MB)
Deputy Chair:    Hon. Andrée Champagne (QC)
Downloads:       Click here

Summary:
The committee investigated English-speaking communities in Quebec in order to delve directly into the realities the communities are experiencing. Under federal law, the government has a responsibility to protect and promote both of Canada’s minority languages.  While French and English minority groups share similarities, they still experience separate and unique hardships which must be recognized.

The report outlined 16 recommendations primarily directed to federal government agencies and departments, urging them to increase the effectiveness of their services to Quebec’s Anglophone communities.

Impact:
The report was covered in a variety of news outlets such as the Quebec Chronicle Telegraph, the Epoch Times and CBC Montreal.  It was also mentioned on the webpage Quebec Community Groups Network.  While no official response has come from the federal government, the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission) did send the document out to different coordinators in an attempt to further promote its message.


Environmental Scan: Access to Justice in Both Official Languages

Date:                  2003
Chair:                 Hon. Rose-Marie Losier-Cool (NB)
Deputy Chair:    Hon. Wilbert Joseph Keon (ON)
Downloads:       Click here

Summary:
The Environmental Scan was an outside report commissioned by the Minister of Justice. It focused on identifying specific needs in each province and territory to ensure access to justice in both official languages. The Committee reviewed the report and made 7 recommendations to the Minister, including incentives to attract bilingual judges, training, pilot projects and access to judicial documentation in both official languages.

Impact:
The government formally responded in November 2003.