BackOn 7 May 2024, the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada, Raymond Théberge, tabled his 2023–2024 annual report in Parliament.
The modernization of the Official Languages Act in June 2023 marked the beginning of a new chapter not only in the history of official languages, but also in the history of the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages.
Over the past year, the Office of the Commissioner has been laying the foundations for the use of the Commissioner’s new powers under the modernized Act, as well as updating its activities and operating methods, including the content of the Commissioner’s annual report.
Full implementation of the Act is necessary to ensure that the intended changes can be realized within the new federal language policy framework.
Fortunately, things are moving forward. The federal government is developing regulations for Part VII (Advancement of Equality of Status and Use of English and French) of the Act, which will set clearer parameters for federal institutions to fully and effectively meet their obligations.
Compliance with Part VII does not, however, depend on the development of regulations. Federal institutions now have new obligations that they are required to meet immediately.
The modernized Act also requires that its provisions and operation be reviewed every 10 years to keep it in step with Canadian society as it evolves. Indicators therefore need to be developed as quickly as possible to monitor the application of the Act, track any changes in the issues at stake and propose solutions in a timely fashion.
In his annual report, the Commissioner has made two recommendations regarding the full implementation of Part VII of the Act and a comprehensive 10-year review of the legislation.
Source : The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, Canada
