Languages Watchdog Makes Recommendations For Langauges Act Review

New Brunswick’s official languages commissioner has presented her recommendations for the review of the Official Languages Act.

Shirley MacLean has made 23 recommendations she says will help strengthen the Act and protect the province’s official languages.

“Since we work closely with the Act, the Office of the Commissioner is well-positioned to identify which aspects of the Act can be improved to ensure respect for language rights in our province,” MacLean said in a statement.

Among her recommendations is legislating the right of provincial public servants to work in the official language of their choice.

She also wants to see an Official Languages Secretariat, a government entity responsible for supporting the premier in implementing the Act.

MacLean is also recommending a requirement for all future legislative officers to be bilingual.

There are also a series of recommendations to clarify the linguistic obligations of local governments.

“The New Brunswick Official Languages Act gives effect to obligations set out in the Canadian Constitution, our country’s most important legal document,” said MacLean.

“It is imperative that this review strengthens New Brunswickers’ language rights. The Official Languages Act must evolve, much like our two official languages do over time.”

Two commissioners — Judge Yvette Finn and John McLaughlin — have been appointed to oversee the review of the Official Languages Act.

The review must be completed no later than Dec. 31. The final report will be a public document, according to the government.