Annual Report 2002-2003 ThetextureofCanada A fabric is woven of many threads. Those of us who speak English and those of us who speak French, ourselves made up of many different elements, have joined together to weave a social fabric called Canada. To order a pin, contact our distribution centre at (613) 996-6368 or toll free at 1 877 996-6368. www.ocol-clo.gc.ca Illustrations by Michel Lavigne © Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada 2003 Cat. No.: SF1-2003 ISBN : 0-662-67514-2 Printed on recycled paper THE TEXTURE OF CANADA A fabric is woven of many threads. Those of us who speak English and those of us who speak French—ourselves made up of many different elements—have joined together to weave a social fabric called Canada. The golden fabric at the centre of the pin symbolizes the meeting place of our two linguistic communities and the richness of the dialogue between them. Wearers of the emblem of the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages are signifying their commitment to fostering harmonious human relations between the English-speaking and French-speaking components of Canada’s social fabric. THE TEXTURE OF CANADA i THE SPEAKER OF THE SENATE OTTAWA Mr. Speaker, Pursuant to Section 66 of the Official Languages Act, I hereby submit to Parliament, through your good offices, the thirty-second Annual Report of the Commissioner of Official Languages covering the period between April 1st 2002, and March 31st 2003. Yours respectfully, Dyane Adam Commissioner of Official Languages October 2003 THE SPEAKER OF THE SENATE, OTTAWA iii THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS OTTAWA Mr. Speaker, Pursuant to Section 66 of the Official Langages Act, I hereby submit to Parliament, through your good offices, the thirty-second Annual Report of the Commissioner of Official Languages covering the period between April 1st 2002, and March 31st 2003. Yours respectfully, Dyane Adam Commissioner of Official Languages October 2003 THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, OTTAWA v TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY . .3 CHAPTER ONE Duality and Diversity - Understanding the Past and Building the Future: A Photo Album of Our Languages and Cultures . .7 A century of censuses: From black-and-white to colour photographs . .7 The new millennium: The 2001 census . .9 A linguistic portrait of Canada . .9 Official languages spoken at home and at work— Coexistence across contexts . .11 Multiple languages and identities within the same individual— A growing trend . .13 Understanding changes and building the future . .14 A dynamic vision of duality and diversity . .16 Gateway to the world . .17 Conclusion . .18 CHAPTER TWO Political leadership . .21 A. Progress on implementing the recommendations of the 2001-2002 Annual Report . .21 B. The federal government’s new Action Plan for Official Languages—The next stage . .24 Mobilizing government leadership . .24 Overview of the plan . .25 Evaluation of the plan . .27 Implementing the plan—The need for effective intergovernmental cooperation . .28 C. Parliamentary committees—Keep that music coming! . .30 The Commissioner’s presentaions . .30 The new Act to Promote Physical Activity and Sport— A better linguistic performance . .30 Equal access to legislative instruments in English and French . .32 Official languages committees—Well-tuned violins! . .32 D. Modernization of human resources management— Towards an exemplary Public Service? . .34 Conclusion . .36 vi Annual Report 2002-2003 CHAPTER THREE Leadership in the federal administration . .39 A. The senior Public Service: The example can only come from above . .39 Clerk of the Privy Council . .39 Committee of Deputy Ministers Responsible for Official Languages . .40 Federal councils in the regions . .41 Conclusion . .42 B. Response to the Commissioner’s recommendations: Taking a long time to hit the right note . .42 Follow-up Studies: Uneven Performance . .42 Study of the senior Public Service: Encouraging progress . .42 A change in culture is emerging…but much too slowly . .44 French on-line: The first action plan . .47 The Canadian sports system: Sport Canada’s disappointing performance . .49 Access to justice in both official languages: Lengthy deliberations . .50 The Contraventions Act: End of a saga . .52 Investigation Follow-ups: A Few Wrong Notes . .53 The Job Bank: A translation system that still doesn’t work! . .53 The RCMP finally commits to raising the language requirements of constable positions in the Moncton region . .55 The Canadian Coast Guard College: No wind in its sails . .56 Restructuring of the Shippagan office of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency . .58 Economic development for the benefit of Franco-Ontarians . .59 Conclusion . .61 THE ROLE OF THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF OFFICIAL LANGUAGES Acting to bring about change: Information on interventions by the Office of the Commissioner . .63 ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS . .67 TABLE OF CONTENTS vii CHAPTER FOUR Services to the public . .77 Innovative ways of reaching the public . .77 A promising concept: Single window networks . .78 Internet services of equivalent quality in English and French . .79 Communications . .80 The Broadcasting Act: More fully reflecting Canada’s linguistic duality . .80 The new CPAC licence: Better service in French . .81 Broadcasting House of Commons debates in both official languages: Still before the courts . .83 Bilingual government advertising: Greater self-discipline . .84 Rain or shine, in English as in French . .86 Training . .87 The military adjusts its sights . .87 Transportation . .87 Air Canada’s action plan on official languages: Ready for takeoff? . .87 Now boarding: Official languages in airports . .89 Conclusion . .90 CHAPTER FIVE An intercultural workplace: two languages in synergy . .93 The two languages in use: The road ahead . .93 Raising awareness: A successful symposium on language of work . .94 Round table on language of work: Senior public servants take action . .95 Commissioner’s expectations: From assessment to action . .96 Making more room for French at the Command and Staff College in Kingston . .97 A recurring problem: Public Works and Government Services Canada must review its administrative practices . .98 Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions enhances the use of English . .99 Equitable Participation by Both Linguistic Groups . .99 Progress report . .99 Anglophone representation in Quebec . .100 A less turbulent hiring policy at Nav Canada . .100 Conclusion . .102 viii Annual Report 2002-2003 CHAPTER SIX Promoting Linguistic Duality . .105 Supporting the Development of Linguistic Minorities . .105 Education: A comprehensive development plan is needed . .105 Nunavut: Education bill on ice . .107 Better funding for Ontario’s French-language school boards . .108 Access to health care in one’s own language throughout life . .109 Save our Sanctuaries! . .113 Promoting Linguistic Duality Nationally . .114 Bilingualism in the National Capital: What is the province waiting for? . .115 Immigration: Supporting growth in Francophone communities . .116 Becoming a Canadian citizen in both official languages! . .119 Enlightened leadership in New Brunswick . .120 The City of Moncton, first winner of the Montfort of the Year . .122 The Official Languages Act: An international model . .123 Conclusion . .124 CONCLUSION . .127 APPENDICES . .131 Appendix A – Commissioner’s Recommendations . .131 Appendix B – Showcase of Success Stories . .134 INDEX . ..