This memorandum of understanding is unprecedented in Canada. It will allow our two offices to share information about investigations that fall under both jurisdictions and to work together on promotional initiatives and studies on how our respective governments are meeting their language obligations.
This is a step forward for all Francophone communities in Ontario. Indeed, this memorandum will give Francophones more direct access to our respective services and expertise, which will allow us to better respond to their needs and concerns in terms of their language rights.
I have given quite a lot of interviews to Francophone media across Ontario since Monday and some of them have asked me who had initiated this project. Well, dear friends, all the credit goes to citizens. Since I have started as Commissioner of French Language Services in Ontario five years ago, many citizens expressed their interest to see my team collaborate with the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages. Indeed, since 2007, Mr. Fraser, Mr. Michel A. Carrier, Commissioner of Official Languages for New Brunswick and I have initiated this conversation. We had agreed back then to take the time to get to know our mutual organizations, which led us to yesterday’s announcement.
I wish to thank everyone who has worked on this project including, of course, citizens! It is now possible to consider other such collaborations. Stay tuned!
Access to justice in French was released on August 2, 2012 and describes the steps needed to ensure that French speakers have effective access to justice in French while making the most efficient use of existing resources. Attorney General John Gerretsen and Minister Madeleine Meilleur say more about the government’s commitment in the news release.
I wish to thank the Attorney General for his leadership in continuing to ensure access to justice in French in Ontario, as it is a fundamental right. I am pleased that the Bench and Bar Advisory Committee’s recommendations have been heard and that the needs of Francophone citizens are being put amongst the Ministry of the Attorney General’s top priorities. This is indeed such an important issue for Francophone citizens of Ontario that I will discuss it further on my blog tomorrow.
I am proud to announce the signing of a letter of agreement with Elections Ontario to ensure that Francophones will have problem-free access to voting in the next provincial election on October 6, 2011.
We have adopted this proactive approach in order to accelerate the complaints resolution process regarding the provision of French-language services during this election.
Elections Ontario has demonstrated to us that it has put in place all the necessary measures for a problem-free vote. All signage, tools and other documents destined for electors as well as required training materials for election staff is ready in both English and French.
However, these efforts by themselves cannot succeed without the active participation of Francophones. That is why I am appealing to the members of our communities to apply for one of the 70,000 election staff positions, to request their services in French during this election, and to promptly report any problems to Elections Ontario by dialing 1 888 668-8683 or by contacting the Commissioner’s Office at 1 866-246-5262.
