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Fredericton, March 6, 2013 – Today, the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada, Graham Fraser, and his New Brunswick counterpart, Michel Carrier, marked the 20th anniversary of the amendment of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to include section 16.1. This section recognizes the equality of New Brunswick’s two official language communities and gives both communities the right to their own educational and cultural institutions.

“Section 16.1 is key to the vitality of our English and French communities,” Carrier said. “On the one hand, it protects the right of each community to have its own schools and other educational and cultural institutions. On the other, it requires the government of New Brunswick to protect and promote the equality of the two communities as well as their right to distinct institutions. Section 16.1 is not merely a statement of principles; it is a commitment to act to ensure the equality of the two official language communities, and that is what makes it so important.”

According to Commissioner Fraser, “This provision of the Charter is central to the protection and promotion of the vitality of New Brunswick’s official language communities, particularly in the area of education.”

Section 16.1 was added to the Charter in March 1993 at the request of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick. It reinforces the main elements of the Act Recognizing the Equality of the Two Official Linguistic Communities in New Brunswick, which was enacted in 1981 by the provincial Legislative Assembly.

At a ceremony held in Fredericton, both commissioners lauded New Brunswick’s leadership in the area of language equality. “Section 16.1 is a testament to the province’s determination to ensure the vitality of its two official language communities, a gesture that brings great honour to this province and one that must be celebrated,” said Commissioner Carrier.

The Commissioner of Official Languages for New Brunswick, Michel Carrier, and the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada, Graham Fraser. (to obtain a copy of this photo, please contact the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages for New Brunswick)

Signing of a memorandum of understanding

Michel Carrier and Graham Fraser also announced the signing of an agreement that will enable both offices to expand their cooperation in order to optimize their support to the citizens, communities and organizations that they serve. In particular, the agreement will allow both offices to carry out joint studies and promotional activities.

“This agreement will enable us to coordinate our efforts in certain areas,” said Commissioner Carrier. “Language rights issues and challenges are often similar, and we have everything to gain from greater cooperation between our two offices.”

“In a way, this agreement officially confirms what had already been established informally: a friendly and effective partnership,” said Commissioner Fraser. “For example, we are currently working together on a study about access to justice in both official languages.”

Mr. Fraser also congratulated Mr. Carrier on his 10 years of tireless work on behalf of New Brunswickers.

Michel Carrier and Graham Fraser sign the collaboration agreement between their two offices. (to obtain a copy of this photo, please contact the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages for New Brunswick)

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Information:

Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada
Nelson Kalil
Manager, Strategic Communications and Media Relations
Telephone: 613-995-0374
Cellular: 613-324-0999
Toll-free: 1-877-996-6368
E-mail: nelson.kalil@ocol-clo.gc.ca

Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages for New Brunswick
Hugues Beaulieu
Director of Public Affairs and Research
Telephone: 506-444-4229
Toll-free: 1-888-651-6444
E-mail: hugues.beaulieu@gnb.ca

Backgrounder
Section 16.1 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

English and French linguistic communities in New Brunswick
16.1. (1) The English linguistic community and the French linguistic community in New Brunswick have equality of status and equal rights and privileges, including the right to distinct educational institutions and such distinct cultural institutions as are necessary for the preservation and promotion of those communities.

Role of the legislature and government of New Brunswick
(2) The role of the legislature and government of New Brunswick to preserve and promote the status, rights and privileges referred to in subsection (1) is affirmed.

What at first glance appeared to be a positive news item about bilingualism in New Brunswick Seeking Bilingualism (Telegraph Journal, October 15), turned out to be a dismissal of the most fundamental part of the vitality of the Francophone community in New Brunswick: duality in the school system. Indeed, while reading the article, we learn that a prominent Canadian business leader, Mr. Richard Currie, says it is time New Brunswick did away with separate school and health systems in English and French.

Respectfully, Mr. Currie, like others recently, errs in addressing duality in education and in healthcare together and treating them as these are the same. They are not. Discussions with respect to equality in healthcare, while essential, are not based on the concept that we must have separate hospitals for each community. No one is advocating this, yet by connecting equality in healthcare with our education system, there is a great risk of misinforming the public and making it impossible for people to participate effectively in discussions or debates on the subject of healthcare.

Not only is duality in education essential, it is a constitutional right.

While English and French languages have equal legal status in this province, it should be easily understood that they do not face the same challenges when it comes to their vitality and protection. The French language in North America is in a constant state of fragility. Its survival and development require strong measures to prevent assimilation; hence, duality in education, our two school systems. In fact, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states that each official linguistic community in New Brunswick has the right to “distinct educational institutions and such distinct cultural institutions as are necessary for the preservation and promotion of those communities”.

Duality in education is widely credited for greatly containing assimilation in the New Brunswick Francophone community. Indeed, our dual school system is not designed to divide but rather to ensure that both linguistic communities can fully develop and be truly equal.

The Report of the Committee on the Organization and Boundaries of School Districts in New Brunswick (1979), which preceded the reorganization of school districts on a linguistic basis, offers significant insight on the matter. I submit the following excerpt:

“when attempts are made to integrate two systems, one of which is weaker than the other, the lack of symmetry in bilateral relations will cause the integration process to weaken even further the weaker of the two parties. It may eventually become assimilated within a structure – in economic, social and cultural terms – not much different from that of the stronger party.” (Reviews of National Policies for Education, Canada, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 1976)

Today, the English language is even more present globally  ̶  and virtually  ̶  and that creates more challenges for our Francophone community. Consequently, it should be clear to everyone that duality in education is even more essential.

Our Charter is clear with respect to the right to distinct educational institutions. That, in my opinion, is not debatable and does not have a place in the discussions surrounding the present review of our Official Languages Act. During this review, we must focus on improving the Act so that government can fully live up to its constitutional obligations to serve the public equally in both official languages and to foster equality between our two linguistic communities.

It is with great interest that we started reviewing today Statistics Canada’s census results regarding linguistic characteristics of Canadians. The analysis of this data takes time and it is therefore not possible for me to offer any detailed comments at this time. However, here are my initial observations.

The data from Statistics Canada with respect to language in New Brunswick is a source of concern for me. While there has been a slight increase of persons speaking French in the province, the proportion of Francophones in New Brunswick has diminished.

Statistics Canada has said in fact that “in New Brunswick, the share of French has declined somewhat, regardless of the characteristic.” This statement should retain the attention of the provincial government and our two linguistic communities.

The vitality of the French language in New Brunswick rests on many factors. That is why the provincial government should adopt a global approach to ensure the vitality of our both linguistic communities. I believe that the data from Statistics Canada demonstrates the need to adopt such an approach.

It is worth noting that Statistics Canada says “that international immigration has the strongest effect on the evolution of French in Canada.”

Last year, I recommended that the government adopt clear guidelines to ensure that its immigration practices benefit both linguistic communities equally. The government told me that such a policy was being developed. More than ever, I'm eager to see it.

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Information:
Hugues Beaulieu
Director, Public Affairs and Research
506-444-4229 or 1-888-651-6444
Hugues.Beaulieu@gnb.ca

COMMISSIONER OF OFFICIAL LANGUAGES FOR NEW BRUNSWICK
News Release

2011-2012 ANNUAL REPORT
Commissioner calls on government to improve Official Languages Act

Fredericton, October 11, 2012 – Michel Carrier, the Commissioner of Official Languages for New Brunswick, is calling on the provincial government to improve the Official Languages Act in order to achieve greater progress towards the equality of English and French in New Brunswick. In his 2011-2012 annual report, Carrier again proposes a series of amendments to the Act.

“The revision of the Act is important because it provides us with an opportunity to move closer to achieving linguistic equality In New Brunswick,” Carrier said. "This revision must propel us forward, not maintain the status quo.”

The Commissioner’s proposals include the right of public servants to work in the official language of their choice, linguistic obligations for professional associations, and better protection of language rights in public-private partnerships.

In his annual report, From Words to Actions, Carrier paints a nuanced portrait of progress regarding official languages in the province. He says he is delighted that the government is implementing the Government Plan on Official Languages: Official Bilingualism – A Strength. He thinks this initiative should enable the government to better meet its linguistic obligations in terms of the delivery of bilingual services to the public. However, when it comes to language of work within the provincial public service, the Commissioner notes that additional measures need to be taken to ensure a more balanced use of French and English. “The government plan contains few innovative measures for creating a true bilingual work environment within the public service,” Carrier said. Moreover, he believes that the provincial government must show rigour in order to achieve its goal of increasing bilingualism among senior public servants. 

The Commissioner refers in his annual report to certain progress made in the wake of his recommendations, in particular with respect to early childhood services. However, he is still waiting for a provincial immigration policy to be adopted. “Last year, I recommended that the government adopt clear guidelines to ensure that its immigration practices benefit both linguistic communities equally,” Carrier said. “The government told me that such a policy was being developed. I'm eager to see it."

In 2011-2012, the Commissioner’s office handled 203 complaints, most having to do with the lack of French-language services.

During the news conference, Carrier noted that 2013 marks the 20th anniversary of the entrenchment in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms of the equal status of the two official linguistic communities in New Brunswick. “The equality of status of our two linguistic communities is not just symbolic,” he said. “The government actually has a constitutional obligation to protect and promote this status and equal rights. The revision of the Official Languages Act provides an opportunity to comply fully with the letter and spirit of this constitutional commitment, in short to go from words to actions,” the Commissioner concluded.

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The 2011-2012 annual report is available online.

Information:
Hugues Beaulieu
Director, Public Affairs and Research
506-444-4229 or 1-888-651-6444
Hugues.Beaulieu@gnb.ca

What a happy occasion, this 10th anniversary of official bilingualism in Moncton!

I am truly delighted to be here to celebrate with you! 

This event marks a historic step, but more importantly a renewed commitment for this great social project that is the equality of our two linguistic communities.

This anniversary provides an opportunity to recognize the people, Anglophones and Francophones who said no to homogeneity, those men and women who believe in the importance of protecting and promoting the French language and its inherent culture, those New Brunswickers who want our two linguistic communities to flourish together in a spirit of mutual respect.

This 10th anniversary also presents an opportunity to make a commitment to going further. I therefore rise today to salute the municipal leadership and administration and its employees. Your commitment and efforts will allow for sustained growth in all areas of language vitality.  I am certain that the creation of this committee on bilingualism will guide your efforts.

A genuine official languages policy must seek to influence all of the factors that relate to language vitality because, when it comes to that, everything is interconnected.

Legislation, policy, and official recognition are essential for ensuring the equality of our two languages. The role of institutions is vital as we progress toward equality. But that must not blind us to the importance of individual action.

In essence, a language involves the people who speak it on a daily basis, who request services in that language and use it in public, people who believe it is important to see it posted in the public sphere.

To ensure that citizens can live together in harmony is a fundamental goal of any municipal administration. A sign of respect, of openness, and of the promotion of diversity, the resolution passed by the Moncton Council to become a bilingual city is an excellent example of this desire to live together. May this anniversary see the renewal of a strong will to go further so that our two linguistic groups may truly thrive in this beautiful city.  
 

Fredericton, December 2, 2011 – “For many years, I have been recommending that the provincial government adopt an official languages plan to ensure that provincial departments comply fully with their linguistic obligations. I am pleased to see it becoming a reality through this two-year official languages plan. I thank the previous government for initiating this project and I congratulate Premier David Alward for proceeding with it. I believe this plan will make it possible to renew the momentum towards linguistic equality. Strong leadership from government and senior civil service is now essential for this plan to succeed. We will follow its implementation closely.”

Michel A. Carrier

Official Languages Commissioner for New Brunswick releases his 2010-2011 Annual Report

Fredericton, October 20, 2011 – The Commissioner of Official Languages, Michel A. Carrier, today released his eighth annual report, entitled Move Forward or Lose Ground. 

“Progress with respect to official languages is fragile, because there is always the general trend of the predominance of English, both here and elsewhere in the world,” said the Commissioner. “To ensure the future of French in New Brunswick, it is essential that we continue to move forward on a number of fronts.”

In his report, Carrier recommends full application of the principle of linguistic duality to private day care centres. In terms of immigration, he asks the government to adopt an official policy and clear guidelines to ensure that its actions in that regard promote the two linguistic communities equally. In addition, the Commissioner makes some 12 suggestions for improving the Official Languages Act (OLA), the revision of which must be initiated no later than December 2012.   

In 2010-2011, the Office of the Commissioner received 200 complaints, most having to do with the lack of French-language services. The Commissioner also provides a summary of his report on Casino New Brunswick. According to Carrier, the wording of the Official Languages Act does not make it possible to conclude that Casino New Brunswick is subject to the Act. However, he points out that the provincial government had the power and the duty to require the casino operator to provide all services in both official languages. The Commissioner also recommends changes to the OLA to ensure better protection for the language rights of New Brunswickers in the case of public-private partnerships, the granting of monopolies, and the privatization of public services. 

“The vitality of languages hinges on a number of interrelated factors,” Carrier said. “The various issues looked at in this annual report provide a good illustration of how government action can affect that vitality."

Carrier is pleased about the implementation of a provincial action plan on official languages, an initiative launched by the previous administration and revived by the Alward government. "I have been recommending such a measure for many years and I am pleased to see it becoming a reality,” Carrier said.

The last chapter of the annual report contains a reproduction of the insert Living Together with Two Languages, which was distributed in the province’s daily newspapers and some of its weeklies in March 2011. “One of my responsibilities as Commissioner is to promote the advancement of our two official languages," Carrier said. “To do that, it is important to clearly explain what official bilingualism and linguistic duality are and to dispel the myths surrounding those two concepts.”

To view the 2010-2011 Annual Report.

For more information:

Hugues Beaulieu
Director of Public Affairs and Research
506.444.4229 or 1.888.651.6444
Hugues.Beaulieu@gnb.ca

Vincent Bossé is bilingual. His first language is French, and he’s proud of that. “French is such a rich and highly developed language. It’s important to celebrate and promote it if we want to preserve it.” He also believes that learning English opened doors for him and will enable him to go farther later on in life. “English classes started in Grade 3 at school. At first, I found it hard to learn a second language, but listening to English-language programs helped me. I also joined a writing club in Grade 10.”

April 1st 2011

Vincent Bossé is bilingual. His first language is French, and he’s proud of that. “French is such a rich and highly developed language. It’s important to celebrate and promote it if we want to preserve it.” He also believes that learning English opened doors for him and will enable him to go farther later on in life. “English classes started in Grade 3 at school. At first, I found it hard to learn a second language, but listening to English-language programs helped me. I also joined a writing club in Grade 10.”

A native of Saint-Hilaire, this Grade-12 student at Cité des Jeunes A.M.-Sormany in Edmundston works on the student newspaper and has his own show on CFAI radio every Thursday evening. Registered to be a student at the Université de Moncton in Information/Communication next September, he says he chose that field because he loves it. “My first passion is writing. I write a lot in French (poems, songs, etc.), and being able to write in English has allowed me to add a new dimension to my writing; now I can explore things in English.”

Living in a predominantly French-speaking region, Vincent says he still has the opportunity to practise English since he’s often around English-speaking customers when he’s at work. “It’s really great to be able to practise what I’ve learned in English class. Practice makes perfect!”

Learn more about Vincent’s passion for language by reading his article below which appeared in Espace Jeunesse in the March 4, 2011 edition of L'Acadie Nouvelle.

***********************************
 

“You’re so lucky you’re bilingual”
Vincent Bossé
Cité des Jeunes A.-M.-Sormany, Edmundston, N.B.

I’ve been working behind the cash register in a fast food restaurant for almost three years now. What I like the most about my job is interacting with people. Of course, as is true in any job involving customer service, it’s not always easy to satisfy everyone. But smiling generally makes it easier to manage more complicated situations. Most of the time, I hear positive comments about my work – which makes me smile – and that encourages me to keep on doing my best.

In both winter and summer, lots of tourists come from all over to explore the city or spend time with family; others just stop at the restaurant for a short break before continuing on their way.

Recently, a cheerful woman came to my register. I greeted her with the traditional “Bonjour!” She was an Anglophone and gave me her order: “I’ll have a number two with a coffee, please.” I quite naturally asked her: “And what do you want in it? Cream and sugar?” With a big smile, she said, “You’re so lucky you’re bilingual.” My first reaction was to reply, “Well, I don’t really have a choice, I work in a restaurant.” But I had second thoughts. Her comment really made me smile. It’s not something I think about regularly since we start learning English in Grade 3, but being able to speak both languages is a great opportunity since some people are limited to just one or the other.

French is such a rich and highly developed language that I’m proud to have been able to speak it fluently since childhood. It’s important to celebrate and promote it if we want to preserve it for at least another 100 years. For its part, English is an all-purpose language, I would even say a universal one. No matter where you go in the world, if you know even a little bit of English, there will always be some way of making yourself understood.

So I think that woman gave me a gift by making me realize how important these two languages are in my life. Before she left, she said, “Have a nice day!”And I replied, “In French, you say bonne journée!” She smiled at me and said, in accented French, “Bon journée!”

Fredericton, March 28, 2011 – A brochure on official languages and linguistic duality is being distributed this week in New Brunswick’s daily newspapers and some of its weeklies. Published by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, the document provides answers to many questions asked about these two issues.

“One of my responsibilities as Commissioner is to promote the advancement of our two official languages,” said Michel A. Carrier. “To do that, it’s important to clearly explain the reason for official languages and duality. That’s one of the goals of this brochure.”

In addition to providing general information and answering frequently asked questions, the 12-page document contains testimonials from New Brunswickers on bilingualism and duality. “Language and culture are at the heart of people’s identities,” said Carrier. “That’s why we invited New Brunswickers to speak. These testimonials are inspiring and make us aware of the richness of our two official languages.”

The Commissioner hopes the publication of this brochure will help to fuel a good-faith dialogue on official bilingualism and linguistic duality. “I hope this brochure will dispel certain myths and contribute to a better understanding of what is at the heart of our collective identity,” said Carrier.

The brochure Living Together with Two Languages can be consulted online.

Information:
Hugues Beaulieu
Director of Public Affairs and Research
506-444-4229 or 1-888-651-6444
Hugues.Beaulieu@gnb.ca

by Michel A. Carrier
Commissioner of Official Languages for New Brunswick

I was astonished by the Telegraph Journal’s editorial of last Saturday. What at first glance appeared to be a commentary in support of the Great Walk for Linguistic Equality turned into the dismissal of a most fundamental part of our societal project which strives for true equality for both official linguistic communities. Duality in education, which is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, was presented in this editorial as a divisive practice which hampers true equality.

Linguistic duality represents the true nature of New Brunswick: a province with two equal official linguistic communities. This is stated not only in the Act Recognizing the Equality of the Two Official Linguistic Communities in New Brunswick but also in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

While English and French languages have equal legal status in this province, it should be easily understood that they do not face the same challenges when it comes to their vitality and protection. The French language in North America is in a constant state of fragility. Its survival and development require strong and credible measures to prevent assimilation; hence, duality in education, our two school systems. In fact, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states that each official linguistic community in New Brunswick has the right to “distinct educational institutions and such distinct cultural institutions as are necessary for the preservation and promotion of those communities”.

Duality in education is widely credited for greatly containing the assimilation in the New Brunswick Francophone community. Indeed, our dual school system is not designed to divide but rather to ensure that both linguistic communities can fully develop and be truly equal.

The Report of the Committee on the Organization and Boundaries of School Districts in New Brunswick (1979), which preceded the reorganization of school districts on a linguistic basis, offers significant insight on the matter. I submit the following excerpt:

“when attempts are made to integrate two systems, one of which is weaker than the other, the lack of symmetry in bilateral relations will cause the integration process to weaken even further the weaker of the two parties. It may eventually become assimilated within a structure – in economic, social and cultural terms – not much different from that of the stronger party.” (Reviews of National Policies for Education, Canada, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 1976)

Today, the English language is even more present globally – and virtually – and that creates more challenges for our Francophone community. Consequently, it should be clear to everyone that duality in education is even more essential. The fact that the editorial implied otherwise is not only disturbing but could undermine any further efforts to improve dialogue between our two linguistic communities.

Fredericton, October 5, 2010 – The Commissioner of Official Languages for New Brunswick, Michel A. Carrier, today presented his seventh annual report. Entitled Building the Future with Two Languages, the document contains numerous recommendations, particularly with regard to the Official Languages Act implementation strategy, revision of the Act, and government signage.

“I am pleased that the provincial government adopted an implementation strategy for the Act,” said the Commissioner. “We had been recommending the adoption of such a tool for several years in order to ensure full implementation of the Act. We reviewed the strategy and made a series of recommendations aimed at ensuring that it achieves its objectives. I very much hope that the new government will maintain and improve that strategy.”

As for the revision of the Act, which must take place by 2012, the Commissioner is already proposing three changes: incorporate the right for provincial civil servants to work in the official language of their choice, ensure better protection of language rights in the case of public-private partnerships, and require that organizations covered by the Act develop a plan for implementing their linguistic obligations.

The signage issue is also addressed in the annual report. In that regard, Michel A. Carrier recommends that the government adopt a balanced policy on government signage. While ensuring equal treatment for the two official languages, such a policy would make it possible, through the positioning of the words (right, left), to reflect the linguistic reality of the province’s various regions.

In terms of complaints, the Office of the Commissioner received 162 during 2009-2010, most having to do with lack of governmental services in French. A selection of founded complaints is presented in the annual report.

The Commissioner believes that one of the keys to making progress in official languages in New Brunswick is greater dialogue between the two linguistic groups. “The conference that we organized last November showed that our two linguistic communities need to talk to each other more.” The Commissioner pointed to the results of a survey conducted by Continuum Research.

“Fifty-five percent of Francophones feel that the future of the French language is threatened, while only 22% of Anglophones share that opinion. Those differences are important and reveal the need for greater dialogue between the two communities,” Carrier said.

The 2009-2010 annual report details activities held in connection with the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the first Official Languages Act. “That anniversary afforded us an opportunity to take stock of the status of bilingualism in the province,” said the Commissioner. “We have made remarkable progress. The results of the survey conducted by Continuum Research clearly demonstrate that official bilingualism enjoyed considerable support by both linguistic communities. Although challenges remain, I am convinced that we can go much further because people recognize the unique value of building the future with two languages.”

To view the 2009-2010 Annual Report.

For more information, please contact:

Hugues Beaulieu
Director of public affairs and research
506-444-4229 or 1-888-651-6444
Hugues.Beaulieu@gnb.ca

Fredericton, May 26th 2010 – The Commissioner of Official Languages for New Brunswick, Michel Carrier, believes that the Dieppe City Council has adopted a balanced commercial signage by-law. “The by-law ensures that French is given its rightful place, reflects the city’s Francophone character, and respects the principle of equality of our two official languages, declared the Commissioner.”

Michel Carrier noted that the Council made a wise decision by opting for bilingual signage while permitting unilingualism for cultural or educational reasons. “The approach chosen by the Council takes into account the fact that our two linguistic communities have organizations dedicated to social development that should not be forced to post signs in the other official language.”

This is the first time that a New Brunswick municipality has enacted rules governing the language of commercial signage. For the Commissioner, it is important that this by-law be recognized as a measure that fully complies with the principle of equality of the two linguistic communities. “What is happening in Dieppe is likely to influence other towns and cities in the province. That is why I am delighted with the content of this by-law.”

The Commissioner invites the province’s other municipalities to work with their business community and citizens to ensure that commercial signage reflects the values at the heart of the Official Languages Act. “A language’s vitality is closely associated with its place on the public stage,” Carrier concluded. “Commercial signage can and must contribute to the dynamism of our two official languages.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Hugues Beaulieu, Director of Public Affairs and Research, 506-444-4229