Graham Fraser Relieved Official Languages Investments Will Continue

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Jun 19 (MARKET WIRE) --
"I am relieved to learn that the federal government's new official
languages plan will allow the progress accomplished over the past five
years to continue," Graham Fraser, Commissioner of Official Languages,
said today.

"The Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality is a complex document that
must be closely reviewed; however, my initial reaction is one of relief,"
said Mr. Fraser. "This plan should enable the institutions involved to
continue with their current initiatives. The Roadmap also contains some
new components, specifically in the area of arts and culture."

Mr. Fraser welcomed the federal government's intention to increase its
focus on promoting official languages. "Clearly, it all depends on how
the federal institutions and their partners implement this commitment,"
he added.

However, the Commissioner expressed concern that the document released
today by Minister Josee Verner does not include a component on the public
service. "It goes without saying that I am disappointed. I was hoping
this aspect would be included in the government's priorities. Barely
three weeks ago, I released my annual report, in which I insisted on the
importance of strengthening the application of the Official Languages Act
within the federal public service and creating a workplace that is
conducive to the use of both official languages. This aspect is barely
mentioned in the Roadmap," he stated.

The Commissioner encouraged the federal government to work with its
partners to set specific objectives and measure progress under the
Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality.

Mr. Fraser welcomed the idea of setting up a new program for the defence
of language rights, which will replace part of the Court Challenges
Program. "I am pleased to see the government recognizes that Canadians
need access to the courts to ensure that their constitutional language
rights are respected. The re-establishment of a program to support
language rights once again makes an essential tool available."

Contacts:
Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
Robin Cantin
Manager, Media Relations
613-995-0374
Cell.: 613-324-0999
Toll-free: 1-877-996-6368

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