A report of the 2021 review of the Official Languages Act released on Wednesday afternoon includes a recommendation to establish a Standing Committee on Official Languages of the Legislative Assembly.
The long-awaited report contains a number of minor changes to the act but mostly advises adjustments to the implementation of the act.
A recommendation regarding a new standing committee in the Legislative Assembly calls it ironic the only bilingual province in Canada does not already possess one.
“We just think it would be a really great effort if our elected officials would come together to discuss in an ongoing way, on an ongoing basis official languages and bilingualism and the things they’re hearing from their constituents,“ said John McLaughlin.
Premier Blaine Higgs appointed Judge Yvette Finn and John McLaughlin as the commissioners responsible for undertaking the review in February.
Asked about a time frame for implementation, Finn said the measures should be implemented tomorrow, adding a recommendation regarding the establishment of a Department of Official Languages is urgent.
The objective of the review was to create actions to “improve the provisions of the Act and ensure its proper implementation,” the report states.
A subsequent report by the commissioners will identify ways to improve access to and learning of both official languages for New Brunswickers.
The report includes a summary of the key recommendations made, which includes:
-The establishment of a Standing Committee on Official Languages of the Legislative Assembly.
-The establishment of a Department of Official Languages
-Reviewing the position of Commissioner of Official Languages
-Clarify the language requirements for provincial civil servants
-Expand the scope of the Act regarding the provision of health services
-Amend the Act to ensure nursing homes, as defined in the Nursing Homes Act, are subject to the Official Languages Act
-Establish a mechanism to periodically review the conditions that identify the municipalities and regional service commissions subject to the Act
