Our two official languages are inseparable from our identity, our history and the future of Canada. They define us and are at the heart of who we are as Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting and promoting our two official languages across the country to support their vitality.
Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, concluded her cross-Canada consultations on the next Action Plan for Official Languages at a summit at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. She was joined by the Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board; Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship; and Marc Serré, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages.
This summit is the final phase of the consultations that began in May. Hundreds of people involved in official-language communities across the country continued their work and reflection on four main objectives:
- Improving compliance to the Official Languages Act among federal institutions
- Protecting and promoting French throughout Canada, including in Quebec
- Stimulating learning and appreciation of our two official languages
- Fostering the development of official-language minority communities
The discussions held and the involvement of everyone present will enable the Government of Canada to develop a new action plan for official languages for the next five years.
With an eye toward the future, Minister Petitpas Taylor also announced an investment of more than $12.6 million over three years to provide nearly 2,000 jobs and internships for young people as part of Young Canada Works in Both Official Languages. Specifically, these young people, aged 16 to 30, will be able to apply their studies and knowledge, have enriching experiences, discover different regions of the country and perfect their second language thanks to work placements.
The Government of Canada is proud to invest in young people and the future of official languages, thereby ensuring the vitality and visibility of official-language minority communities.
