Minister Copps Responds to Recommendations of Standing Joint Committee on Official Languages
OTTAWA, November 18, 1996 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today forwarded to the co-chairs of the Standing Joint Committee on Official Languages the Government's response to the Committee's report on the implementation of sections 41 and 42 of the Official Languages Act.In her response, the Minister pointed out that the Prime Minister has always been highly supportive of official language minority communities. The response also points to a number of major initiatives in various sectors of activity that have been made possible with federal support. These initiatives have been instrumental in allowing these communities to participate more fully in economic and cultural development activities at home and abroad.
The Government recognizes the need for more rigorous accountability for the implementation of these sections of the Act. As a result, the Treasury Board Secretariat the central agency responsible for reviewing the annual business plans submitted by departments will be asked to play a role in this regard.
Departments will continue to provide the Minister of Canadian Heritage with an action plan on the implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act. However, each business plan will also need to reflect their responsibilities in the matter of official language minority communities' development.
"We have made considerable progress in the last two years, said Minister Copps. By increasing accountability across all government programmes for the implementation of Section 41, I am confident we will enhance the vitality of our minority language communities across Canada.
Pointing to progress made since the adoption of the Official Languages Act over twenty-five years ago, the Minister encouraged the Committee to come forward with recommendations on further way to promote the development of these communities. I am proud of our achievements to date and I will continue to treat this issue as a priority. The dynamism of these communities is critical to our vision of a strong and united Canada, concluded Minister Copps.
Copies of the letters sent to the co-chairs of the Committee are available upon request.
Information:
Julia Arnsby
Press Secretary
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Robert Bousquet
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 994-4239
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