CHAPTER IV - CONCLUSION
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As mentioned at the beginning of this chapter, the Commissioner has initiated a process to renew his role as Canada’s language ombudsman. The way in which the information was presented in this chapter is a step in this direction. By presenting a more integrated and complete portrait of compliance issues, this chapter aims to indicate to institutions those areas that the Commissioner will be following more closely, and where special attention is needed.
The central story that emerges from this analysis is that it is time for institutions to adopt a more results-focused approach to ensure they fully meet their official languages obligations. The results of a number of institutions for the report card observations and language of work survey leave much to be desired, and many of the examples of leadership that the Commissioner saw were isolated initiatives that did not take into account all aspects of official languages, or make the link between the different obligations set out in the Act. Effective monitoring must be a key concern for federal institutions, be it to ensure that Canadians receive services from them in the official language of their choice, that federal public servants feel free to work in the official language of their choice in designated regions or that official language communities are given the tools and support they need to ensure their vitality and development. As can be seen in this chapter, when there is strong leadership there are positive results. It is important that institutions not lose sight of this message.
In the coming year, the Commissioner will adopt an approach that seeks to more effectively address the concerns Canadians bring before him, while at the same time increasing cooperation between his office and federal institutions. New methods of dispute resolution and intervention are being put in place, which will help the Commissioner resolve problems more quickly and efficiently while respecting the rights of Canadians. The use of these new methods will be tracked and reported in next year’s annual report, along with the usual information on complaints, audits, report cards, court remedies, and proactive and preventive interventions. The coming year will bring changes, and the Commissioner will work with federal institutions, as well as with the citizens who approach him for help, to ensure that they understand what the changes mean for them, and how his office will report on compliance in the future. However, this new approach will be implemented with the understanding that federal institutions and their leaders are ultimately responsible for ensuring full respect for the language rights of Canadians, in accordance with the principles and objectives laid out in the Official Languages Act.
