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ARCHIVED - Report of the Task Force on Government Transformations and Official Languages
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Conclusion
This report deals with government transformations and their effects on the language rights of Canadians. More specifically, we have analysed the effects of those transformations on service to the public, language of work, equitable participation and the development of minority official language communities. We heard the points of view and concerns of organizations representing minority official language communities. We also met with senior officials in federal institutions affected by government transformations. We were asked to propose measures to improve the situation and we have done so.
The members of the Task Force are of the view that, in implementing government transformations, the federal government must make every effort to introduce constructive innovations in service delivery, especially in minority communities.
In concluding our report, we want to underscore the importance of building a relationship of strong and constant trust between the government and Canadians, particularly the members of minority official language communities.
To establish this relationship of trust and forge appropriate ties, the federal government must review the foundations of its relations with minority official language communities in order to expand constructive ties with the various elements of those communities, taking into account the diversity of their circumstances and needs.
To expand its relations with minority official language communities, the whole government must take action. It must make its entire administration more sensitive to these communities' circumstances and aspirations, and to the importance of linguistic duality. To strengthen ties with minority official language communities, the government must call upon all its various resources.
The relationship between the government and linguistic minorities cannot rest on the efforts of a few people or organizations with whom the government has chosen to work. There must also be vigorous, integrated leadership within the government and the public service, exercised by a central authority vested with the necessary political and administrative powers. Leadership of this type means going beyond the existing division of responsibilities. Under the Official Languages Act, the institutions that are subject to the Act have prime responsibility, while the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Treasury Board have general responsibilities. Since the language regime has a constitutional basis and is applied in many spheres of society, the Prime Minister also bears responsibility.
It is important to establish a structure that will ensure that the government's actions have the necessary consistency and collective resolve. In addition, all institutions of Parliament and of the Government of Canada must be empowered and made accountable for their actions in support of linguistic duality and minority official language communities.
