Language of Work in Quebec's Federally Regulated Private Businesses: Legislation is Not Necessary, According to Minister Paradis

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 8, 2013) - Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, Minister of State (Agriculture) and Minister responsible for Quebec, shared the work of a committee that carried out a study on the language of work in federally regulated private businesses in Quebec not subject to the Official Languages Act.

"There is nothing in the study that indicates the need for legislation to regulate language of work in Quebec," stated Minister Paradis. "Rather, the study shows that the internal practices of federally regulated businesses are already very similar to those seen in provincially regulated businesses."

Furthermore, the study, carried out by a committee of deputy ministers, shows that a great many federally regulated private businesses have voluntarily obtained a francization certificate from the Office québécois de la langue française. These businesses employ about half of all workers in federally regulated businesses that are not subject to the Official Languages Act.

Minister Paradis pointed out that promoting the French language requires a great deal of vigilance. He stated: "Promoting the French language is a mission that the Harper government wants to fulfil in a responsible and effective manner, while concentrating on what the people of Quebec see as priorities. Not only because Canada was founded on two national languages, but also because French must play a central role in our future."

Minister Paradis listed some of the measures that clearly show that promoting French is now, and more than ever a focus of the Harper government.

• Prime Minister Harper made history by recognizing the great nation of Quebec.
• Quebec now has a seat at UNESCO.
• Investments have been made to promote our official languages and cultural diversity through the Roadmap for Linguistic Duality.
• Although the government is facing difficult budget choices, we have significantly increased funding for integration services for immigrants in Quebec.

In closing, Minister Paradis thanked the three deputy ministers who conducted the study. "In spite of their busy schedules, they thoroughly and enthusiastically carried out this mandate. I want to thank them for their dedication," he concluded.

This study fulfils a commitment made by the Harper government on November 24, 2011. The complete report can be found on Industry Canada's website.