CHAPTER III - CONCLUSION
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By amending the Official Languages Act in 2005, Canadian parliamentarians strengthened their commitment to the promotion of English and French in Canada. As a result, they clarified and strengthened federal institutions’ obligations in promoting linguistic duality and developing official language communities. This chapter shows that the government has not made the most of the potential of these amendments to the Act and that federal institutions still have more work to do to fulfil their commitment to Parliament.
More work remains in the area of second-language learning in particular. In this regard, the federal government’s efforts must complement those of the provincial and territorial ministries of education, which are responsible for managing secondlanguage learning programs. In fact, there are still many barriers to mobility, exchanges and ensuring second-language learning is an important part of the curriculum. In addition, it would be appropriate to improve the quality of and access to second-language learning programs and promote better cooperation among school administrators, teachers and ministerial authorities.
Moreover, it is important that Canada’s image abroad reflect its linguistic duality. Canada’s diplomatic corps and the organizers of the 2010 Olympic Games must present an accurate portrait of the country’s linguistic duality.
This chapter dealt with many issues related to the vitality of official language communities. Statistical data and studies carried out by the Office of the Commissioner remind all parties involved—communities, government institutions and researchers—of the importance of their contribution to the collective knowledge on the vitality of these communities. Through collaboration and partnership, everyone can improve the process that opens the way to increased vitality.
Many challenges must still be overcome in terms of linguistic duality and community vitality. Since the Action Plan 2003–2008 must be renewed, the Commissioner sees a unique opportunity to give new momentum to the advancement of official languages. He welcomes Bernard Lord’s report on his consultations, and hopes that the Minister for Official Languages implements its recommendations as quickly as possible, so official languages can progress.
