The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, President of the Treasury Board, as well as all government ministers, will help Minister Joly ensure the success of the measures targeting the justice system and federal institutions.
The Government of Canada is committed to modernizing and strengthening the act so it can better meet the hopes and expectations of Canadians who speak both official languages and expect the Government of Canada to do more to protect them. This commitment is reflected in the most recent Speech from the Throne, which explored the special situation French faces in North America, including Quebec. It also mentioned that defending the rights of francophone minorities outside Quebec and defending the rights of the anglophone minority in Quebec are a priority for the government. The official languages reform document is an important step in achieving these commitments.
Minister Joly invites all Canadians in official language minority communities and linguistic majorities, including Francophones in Quebec, to explore this document and make it their own. This reform, which will pave the way for Canada’s official languages for the next 50 years, is a priority for all Canadians.
“Our two official languages are an integral part of our identity and our country. The ambitious reform we’re unveiling today will adapt government policy to new 21st century realities and build a base for an act that reflects all Canadians. Strengthening the Official Languages Act gives us the tools we need to achieve true equality between French and English throughout the country while also continuing to protect the rights of official languages minority communities for the next 50 years. More than ever, the Government of Canada has a role to play in protecting linguistic rights from coast to coast to coast.”
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
“In Canada, our two official languages represent an important part of our identity. I am proud of the plan announced by the Government of Canada to modernize the Official Languages Act. We are working hard to improve access to justice in both official languages, which has a major impact on how we administer our legal system and our courts. We must continue our efforts so that every Canadian is able to interact with the legal system in the official language of their choice.”
—The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
“The modernization of the Official Languages Act is an unparalleled opportunity to redouble our efforts in ensuring that federal institutions meet their obligations while enhancing language training for public servants, so they can provide the excellent service in both official languages that Canadians expect.”
—The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, President of the Treasury Board
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
613-295-3617
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca