Statement made on 27 May 2009 by Senator Maria Chaput
Hon. Maria Chaput:
Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate and relates to the 2008-09 annual report of the Commissioner of Official Languages. The commissioner has indicated that, while some progress has been made, there is nevertheless a failure rate of 25 per cent and that this is unacceptable.
Despite some progress, many significant obstacles remain to prevent us from achieving real equality between French and English in this country. First, we are seeing a decline in active, in-person services. Second, certain changes recently made by the federal government have weakened the governance structure for official languages. Third, not enough clear targets have been set to guide federal bodies in these matters. Finally, this government is not providing enough support for the development of official language minority communities.
We are definitely starting to feel the effects of this in Manitoba. Francophone community organizations in Manitoba are weak, drained of resources, and constantly waiting to see what they will receive. They cannot plan anything. Our communities are beginning to feel discouraged, in Manitoba and elsewhere in Canada.
Can the Leader of the Government tell us if the Conservative government recognizes that some of the recent changes it has made have weakened the support structure for official language minority communities? Does it recognize that the links and connections in Canada's language policy are often missing? Will it correct that problem? Does the government intend to explore the commissioner's recommendations and ensure that they are immediately implemented?
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