CHAPTER I: OFFICIAL LANGUAGES AND LEADERSHIP
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“A LEADER LEADS BY EXAMPLE, WHETHER HE INTENDS TO OR NOT.”
ANONYMOUS
In Canada, leadership in official languages means doing everything possible to give all Canadians equal opportunities to flourish in the official language of their choice.
History shows that major advances in official languages at the federal level have always been the result of strong, resolute political leadership.
In 1966, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson laid the groundwork for a grand vision of the country’s official languages, one that still underlies the aspirations of many Canadians to this day. In a statement before the House of Commons, he said his government hoped and expected that, within a reasonable amount of time, the public service would truly reflect the linguistic and cultural values of English-speaking and French-speaking Canadians.
| “The government hopes and expects that, within a reasonable period of years, […]: a) it will be normal practice for oral or written communications within the service to be made in either official language at the option of the person making them, in the knowledge that they will be understood by those directly concerned; b) communications with the public will normally be in either official language having regard to the person being served; c) the linguistic and cultural values of both English speaking (sic) and French speaking (sic) Canadians will be reflected through civil service recruitment and training; and d) a climate will be created in which public servants from both language groups will work together toward common goals, using their own language and applying their respective cultural values, but each fully understanding and appreciating those of the other.” Lester B. Pearson (1966)1 |
This statement paved the way for the adoption, in 1969, of the Official Languages Act, a milestone that was to lead to equality in language rights. In 1988, the government again demonstrated leadership when it adopted a new version of the Official Languages Act (the Act), which considerably broadened its scope. The Action Plan for Official Languages, unveiled in 2003, gave fresh impetus to the official languages program and community vitality, and is another good example of leadership. The amendment of the Act in 2005, which clarified the obligations of all federal institutions with respect to the advancement of English and French, can also be added to this list.
All this progress was achieved during times of strong leadership. Nevertheless, examples could also be given of the adverse impact of a lack of leadership. In fact, the lack of leadership and vigilance in official languages matters has led to setbacks over the past 40 years.
This year, Commissioner Fraser has noticed the implementation of the Act has reached a plateau, and he wonders about the future of the country’s official languages. Will Canadians allow this issue to lay dormant for a lengthy period of time? Or even worse, will they stand by while the achievements of the past are gradually lost? In the Commissioner’s view, federal institutions must act now by playing a strong and persuasive leadership role.
Leadership is the theme of this chapter, which has been divided into two parts. The first part of the chapter is a discussion of the leadership demonstrated by federal institutions in implementing the Act. What portrait of leadership emerges from the Office of the Commissioner’s studies, investigations, audits and report cards? What could institutions do to show stronger leadership? What opportunities are available?
As far as he is concerned, the Commissioner believes it is time to explore new ways in which to achieve sustainable results for Canadians. This issue is discussed in the first part of this chapter.
The second part of the chapter covers three issues pertaining to the future of official languages: the follow-up to the Action Plan 2003–2008, official languages governance and public service renewal. These issues are closely related to the question of leadership in official languages, and the Commissioner will therefore set out his expectations in this respect.
Notes
1 Canada, Official Report of the Debates of the House of Commons, Vol. IV, Ottawa: Queen’s Printer, 1966, p. 3915. From the statement of policy respecting bilingualism in the public service made by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson on April 6, 1966.
