This is the conclusion reached by Canada’s Commissioner of Official Languages, Raymond Théberge, in an interview given at Behind the scenes power following revelations about the absence of Francophones on the Canadian National Board of Directors.

” In my opinion, the concept of official languages ​​is not properly integrated within our federal institutions, within the Crown corporations that are subject to the Official Languages ​​Act. “

The last francophone to become among the administrators of the railway company was Jean Charest. The former Quebec Premier left office to enter the race for leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada.

The wrong move at Canadian National comes just months after the president of Air Canada prompted disapproval for a speech almost exclusively in English in Montreal.

Managers of businesses under federal jurisdiction do not have to speak both languages, but according to the Commissioner, to be able to communicate with customers, you need to understand them, regardless of language.

” This is clearly a lack of sensitivity on the part of federal institutions, which do not seem to understand the linguistic context. “

Canadians have a right to expect that the heads of Crown businesses, departments, agencies or corporations are bilingual, Mr Théberge added.

Population is attached to linguistic duality. A survey conducted by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages ​​revealed that 87% of citizens support bilingualism.

60,000 complaints a year

This may partly explain the increase in the number of complaints received by this federal agency. In the past year, the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages ​​recorded 60,000.

” I dare you to believe that this is a message for all federal institutions, that Canadians are fully aware of their rights and want to assert them. “

The Commissioner hopes that the plan to modernize the Official Languages ​​Act filed in March by the Justin Trudeau government will somewhat change the situation.

Until now, it could only issue recommendations to companies that did not meet their language obligations.

Not just recommendations

If the law is passed, he has more power. This toolkit includes the ability to enter into compliance agreements, issue orders, transportation financial penaltiesexplained Raymond Théberge.

However, he still wants lawmakers to improve certain aspects regarding public services and communications, as well as those related to the language of work, so that the new law is more timely, more stable and more dynamic.