Statement made on 26 May 2009 by Senator Claudette Tardif
Hon. Claudette Tardif (Deputy Leader of the Opposition):
Honourable senators, the Commissioner of Official Languages released his report today. My question relates to official languages.
In 2006, Yves Côté, the former Canadian Forces Ombudsman, conducted an investigation concerning the lack of respect for the rights of francophone soldiers at CFB Borden. On August 7, the former Interim Ombudsman, Mary McFadyen, indicated that her office's investigation revealed that a considerable number of courses were not being offered to francophone students at CFB Borden and CFB Gagetown. This situation still has not changed. At the largest National Defence training school in the country, 40 per cent of basic courses and 47 per cent of advanced or specialized courses are not available in French for francophone soldiers and new recruits.
When will this disrespect towards francophone soldiers be corrected?
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