Annex 1 (translation) Letter of March 25, 1997 from Minister L. Harel to Minister P. S. Pettigrew on Language of Service
Policy & Design » LMDA Coordination and Analysis » Québec
Québec City, March 25, 1997
Mr. Pierre Pettigrew
Minister of Human Resources Development
Government of Canada
146 Place du Portage
Hull, Québec
K1A 0L5
Dear Mr. Pettigrew:
I have taken note of recent statements which you and the Prime Minister of Canada have made regarding the agreement currently being negotiated with respect to active measures and employment services. In this context, I would like to confirm Québec's position, as expressed at the negotiating table, on the issue of language, in particular with regard to three facets: service to clients, and the applicability of the Official Languages Act and of the Employment Insurance Act.
First, let me inform you of the services which are available to English-speaking clients in Québec in the areas of employment, income security and related active measures. With regard to individuals, service is provided in English, both verbally and in writing, as soon as they so request. Computer information is available in English, on a different screen from the French version. Brochures, leaflets and the like are available in English, on separate displays. Voice mail messages provide for a number that can be dialled to continue the menu in English.
With regard to the language used in providing active employment measures (courses, training sessions, etc.) and employment services which may eventually be covered by an agreement between our two governments, the Government of Québec will make such services available to English-speaking clients according to the same parameters as currently apply to employment, income security and related active measures.
Likewise, subject to the signature of an agreement, the Government of Québec will use appropriate means to inform English-speaking clients of the arrangements regarding language of service, for example, through newspaper advertisements, pamphlets and press releases.
I would also like to state that, in the context of an agreement between our two governments, when Québec, in making available those functions of the National Employment Service for which it will become responsible, is unable, due to the provisions of the Charter of the French Language, to provide service in both official languages in accordance with the Official Languages Act with respect to written communications with corporations established in Québec, Canada and Québec shall agree that, in order to ensure compliance with the Official Languages Act, Canada will exercise those functions instead. As you know, this approach is similar to that adopted in the agreement on the administration within Québec of the GST by the Government of Québec.
In order to continue to move forward in the negotiations and reach a settlement that is consistent with the discussions at the table and that is also clear for all concerned, I would appreciate your confirming the representations of your negotiators with respect to the following federal government interpretations:
- the Official Languages Act does not apply to Québec's active employment measures funded by a contribution from the Employment Insurance Account, since this does not involve a delegation of program management;
- paragraph 57(1)(d.1) of the Employment Insurance Act applies only to individuals and not to corporations.
In our view, any description of the manner in which service will be delivered should respect the framework described above. In this regard, the facts clearly show the quality of the service that is currently provided by the Québec government throughout Québec, and which is satisfactory to English-speaking clients.
I believe that we have a shared responsibility to arrive at an agreement that will benefit Québec workers and employers by giving them the tools needed to bring about greatly needed improvements in Québec's labour market.
Yours sincerely,
(signed)
LOUISE HAREL