The Modernization of the Official Languages Act: back to work!
When the federal election was called in the spring, Bill S‑220, whose purpose was to modernize Part IV of the Official Languages Act, died on the Order Paper.
Senator Chaput therefore used the summer to consult with various allies and stakeholders and come up with a new document that would retain the heart and spirit of Bill S‑220, while addressing the concerns and reservations expressed about it.
The draft bill, which will be assigned a number when it is introduced, is currently receiving its final touches. Just like Bill S-220, the new bill will aim to:
- Guarantee Services of equal quality
- Ensure federal leadership regarding official languages
- Ensure that mandatory and inclusive criteria are used in determining the number of "Francophones"
- Ensure government accountability
- Ensure the service delivery system remains up-to-date
The new bill, like S-220, will also contribute to the vitality of Quebec's anglophone minority, which faces its own set of challenges.
Senator Chaput is actively working on laying the groundwork for introducing the new bill. She notably held two meetings with representatives of the Treasury Board of Canada, the federal institution charged with the application of Part IV of the Official Languages Act. A third meeting is planned in November. Senator Chaput attaches great importance to these meetings, which allow her to present the realities of official language minority communities to the Treasury Board, and to explain the main elements of the new draft bill.
We encourage you to stay abreast of the development of the new bill at www.mariachaput.ca. We expect to have important news to share in December 2011!
S-220 in the media :