Fredericton, December 12, 2022 – The Commissioner of Official Languages invites all New Brunswickers to stand together and speak with one voice in support of official bilingualism in New Brunswick. In her annual report for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, Commissioner Shirley MacLean reminds the government that a recent public opinion survey found that 81% of New Brunswickers support the Official Languages Act.
“There has been a lot of talk about official languages in the province recently,” declared Commissioner MacLean. “The handling of the review of the Official Languages Act and the changes to French immersion are two topics that have generated a lot of attention. The vast majority of us have an inherent respect for both linguistic communities in the province. Let us stand together as a majority and speak with one voice.”
In her report, the Commissioner makes four recommendations to government:
- to make effective use of the findings of the Language and Society public opinion survey when developing policies and public communications related to official languages;
- that when the next legislative amendments are made to the Official Languages Act, subsection 42(1) stipulate that a 10-year review be undertaken but add that the Premier must react formally to the recommendations of the review within 60 days of the conclusion of the review process;
- to provide the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages with an adequate budget, with no administrative constraints, so that it may fulfil its promotional mandate as it sees fit and continue promoting the advancement of both official languages in the province;
- to redouble its efforts to meet its target of welcoming 33% Francophone immigrants annually by 2024, as set out in New Beginnings: A Population Growth Strategy for New Brunswick 2019-2024. Once this target is reached, a new remedial target should be adopted to close the gaps that have persisted for many years.
In addition, the Commissioner’s report presents a series of files handled during the 2021-2022 fiscal year. These summaries present the recommendations made to the institutions concerned by the complaints. The Commissioner notes that numerous complaints were received concerning health care in 2021-2022, with more than 40% of the complaints handled concerning the regional health authorities or the Department of Health.
In fact, from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, the Office of the Commissioner received 206 complaints. Of these, 104 were admissible, with 11 based on lack of service in English and 93 based on lack of service in French.
“Once again, I must emphasize the willingness of government institutions to cooperate with my office in resolving complaints,” added Commissioner MacLean. “Even though the system is not perfect and violations of the Official Languages Act are brought to our attention, institutions take a positive approach and are willing to resolve the issues raised. It comes down to respect, pride and equality.”
Full report: 2021-2022 Annual Report of the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages for New Brunswick
Media contact:
Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages for New Brunswick
506-444-4229 or 1-888-651-6444 (toll free)
commissioner@officiallanguages.nb.ca