The government changed a language bill to enforce the “equality of status and use of English and French in Canadian society.” . French language textbook .The amendment modifies and expands the bilingual requirements to include the private sector for the first time..“Today more than ever, we want a modern ambitious law with teeth, a law that will protect and promote French across Canada,” said Liberal MP Marc Serré (Nickel Belt, ON), parliamentary secretary for official languages..Bill C-13 An Act to Amend the Official Languages Act mandates the use of French in the federally regulated private sector like airlines, airports, banks, ports, railways and interprovincial trucking companies in any region with a “strong francophone presence.” The term is not defined..In a Commons motion, cabinet served notice it would insert a new clause in the bill stating, “The minister of Canadian Heritage shall advance the equality of status and use of English and French in Canadian society.” No explanation was given..“Here we are today with about 10 government motions on the table,” said Conservative MP Joël Godin (Portneuf-Jacques Cartier, Que.). .The “equality of status” amendment was introduced after the Commons Language committee held 25 hearings on the bill..“The atmosphere in Québec is electric these days,” said Bloc Québécois MP Mario Beaulieu (La Pointe-de-Ile, Que.). .“There is a movement, a collective awareness as the decline of French is picking up pace. There is every indication that is the case.”.“This cannot continue,” said MP Beaulieu..“Language projection studies, even those by Statistics Canada, which is certainly not a loyal ally of French in Québec, indicate there is going to be a very rapid decline.”.According to Blacklock’s Reporter, the department of Canadian Heritage in an April 5 report said French “remains fragile” despite $7.7 billion spent in promoting bilingualism since 2004..“The viability of francophone official language minority communities remains fragile,” said the report Evaluation of the Official Languages Support Programs 2004-2021..“The rate of bilingualism outside Québec decreased slightly despite an increase in the number of students enrolled in second language learning programs,” wrote researchers..A total of 9.5% of Canadians are bilingual outside Québec, by official estimate. Only 3.5% of people outside Québec identify French as their first language..“We must recognize French is in decline,” New Democrat MP Niki Ashton (Churchill-Keewatinook Aski, MB) told the Commons..“Bill C-13 proposes measures that will stop this decline. We all worked on this.”.“I am a proud Francophile,” said Ashton..“There are no losers when we protect official languages. Living in a country where French and English are respected makes life richer.”
