OTTAWA, March 20, 2008 - The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today released the Government of Canada's Report on Consultations on Linguistic Duality and Official Languages, by Special Advisor Bernard Lord.
"These consultations allowed us to gather the views of Canadians and key stakeholders on issues related to linguistic duality and official-language minority communities," said Minister Verner. "I would like to thank everyone who participated in the consultations and shared their views with Mr. Lord. Our government will consider this report in developing a strategy for the next phase of the Action Plan for Official Languages."
In his report, Mr. Lord presents the results of regional consultations, online consultations, and the wrap-up event held on January 24. The report reflects the main issues and ideas raised during the consultations, which include support for linguistic duality and the commitment of Canadians to promoting this value.
The consultation report rounds out the publication of new statistics and analyses previously undertaken, as well as the contributions of a variety of stakeholders, including parliamentarians, provincial and territorial governments, the Commissioner of Official Languages, the Canadian public service, and organizations working in the field.
The Government of Canada supports Canada's linguistic duality and will renew its commitment to official languages in Canada by developing a strategy for the next phase of the Action Plan for Official Languages. Budget 2008 supports previous investments to develop a new action plan, which would take into account Canada's changing demographic reality in promoting and protecting the country's linguistic duality.
The consultations conducted by the Government of Canada are one of many information sources which will guide the development of the new government strategy on official languages.
Special Advisor Bernard Lord's Report on Consultations on Linguistic Duality and Official Languages is posted on the website of the Department of Canadian Heritage at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca in the Public Consultations section.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
