:
Good morning one and all, and welcome to this 39th meeting of the Standing Committee on Official Languages.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), today we are continuing our study of broadcasting and services in French at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.
[English]
We are very pleased this morning to have again at our committee members of the organizing committee for the 2010 Olympic Games, VANOC.
We have with us this morning the chair of the official languages advisory committee, Mr. Jacques Gauthier.
Welcome to our committee again, Mr. Gauthier.
Mr. Gauthier is accompanied by Ms. Francine Bolduc, who is the director of official languages. Ms. Bolduc also came earlier to this committee.
We also have the pleasure to have for the first time at our committee Ms. Donna Wilson. She's the executive vice-president, workforce and sustainability.
Welcome to our committee, Ms. Wilson.
I believe, Mr. Gauthier, that you want to address us with opening remarks.
:
Yes. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
[Translation]
Honourable members of the Committee, I am very pleased to once again be appearing before you, with Ms. Wilson, as you pointed out, as well as Ms. Bolduc, to give you a brief overview of the work VANOC has been doing in recent months to ensure that Canada's official languages play a prominent role at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Thank you for inviting us today. We are particularly pleased to be here today as we have information to provide on new and concrete steps that we have taken.
Right from the outset, we recognized that we have a considerable responsibility in terms of not only organizing and delivering Olympic Games that meet the highest possible international standards, but also ensuring that the Games reflect Canadian values, linguistic duality being one of those fundamental values.
These Games are for all Canadians. This is an incredible opportunity for Canada at many different levels. We are organizing and will be delivering bilingual Games, because VANOC has always believed in this. It goes beyond the Multiparty Agreement. Providing bilingual services is part of our values, as are our respect for and promotion of Canada's official language communities.
In September, the Commissioner tabled a follow-up report on preparation of the Games with respect to the official languages. I want to emphasize that a huge amount of progress has been made in that regard. As you may recall, his first report, issued in December of 2008, contained 18 recommendations, while the follow-up report contained only 11, five of which related to VANOC. So, we went from 18 to five recommendations. Once again, we are very proud of the progress that has been made.
You may also recall that I stated at the time that the report issued by the Commissioner of Official Languages would be a working document for us, enabling us to identify all the issues that need to be dealt with and resolved. As I now see that his follow-up report in September contains only five recommendations, that clearly means that a satisfactory solution has been found for the other issues. I will briefly address the five recommendations.
We paid particular attention to three of those recommendations, dealing with translation, volunteers and signage. I would also like to make you aware of those issues that have been resolved over the last two years, and particularly since our last appearance before the Committee in the spring. You no doubt recall that one of the major issues then was television coverage of the Games in French all across Canada. You now know that more than 250 Francophone journalists and professionals will be providing coverage all across the country—coverage that will be unique in the history of the Games, as twice as many hours of television coverage will be provided this time compared to what was available in Turin, which were Francophone Games as had never been presented before.
There is also a partnership agreement with the Gesca group, which includes all the newspapers connected with La Presse, thereby enabling us to promote the Games in French-language newspapers. We are making full use of that opportunity. Gesca, which is one of our partners, is investing $3 million to help us promote the Games. This is obviously a very important issue for us.
The last time we were here, I also talked about the creation of VANOC's Advisory Committee on Official Languages. In fact, that Committee has been extremely useful in terms of, not only making the Board of Directors aware of our issues, but also gaining access to parliamentarians, federal agencies—in other words, people in a position to change things. That has been, and continues to be, extremely helpful. I am very proud of that initiative, which was a direct result of the report of the Commissioner of Official Languages.
We also signed a partnership agreement with the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie to promote the 2010 Olympic Games in French across the globe. In Canada, we have been hearing a great deal about the Olympic Games, more so in the west than in the east, and particularly in Francophone Europe. But not enough information was getting through to the OIF.
So, they approached us, and we signed a partnership agreement with them. They are providing invaluable assistance with our international promotion efforts. I should also point out that, in December, we will be organizing tours with the help of the OIF—again, to promote bilingual Olympic Games where services are provided in French and in English. This will be a means of raising awareness of all the progress that has occurred.
As you know, we also entered into an agreement with Canada's Translation Bureau to help us with all the content requiring translation. The federal government recently invested an additional $7.7 million to help us fulfill our obligations with respect to translation. This is also an extremely important issue.
Finally, the equality of Canada's two languages in signage at competition venues is also an area where there has been considerable progress. Once again, the Commissioner had recommended that we ensure that signage would be identical in French and English—in terms of its size, for example. As the word suggests, it must be equal. So, that is another area where there has been a great deal of progress and which is a source of satisfaction.
I could point to others as well. However, as I mentioned a little earlier, the Commissioner's recommendations in his last follow-up report related to five issues, three of which have already been resolved.
VANOC continues to cooperate with its Francophone and government partners in order to maximize the positive spinoffs of these Games with respect to official languages. As I was saying earlier, we were thrilled that the federal government announced substantial funding to ensure the presence of both official languages at the 2010 Olympic Games.
With 99 days remaining until the Games begin, we are working closely with all government agencies and the government to ensure that all the funding made available to us is used appropriately and for identified needs. We are close to the finish line—that's a euphemism—and close to the starting line as well. Although there are still a couple of details to finalize, it is my hope that we will successfully fulfill our mandate in terms of organizing Games that promote our two official languages.
I am now available to take your questions. I believe the question period will follow Ms. Wilson's presentation, and I would like to turn it over to her now.
I am extremely delighted to be here today. I would like to thank you, Mr. Chairman, and all the members of this Committee for inviting me to discuss our progress with respect to official languages.
[English]
As Jacques has mentioned, we've made significant progress since our last appearance. The commissioner's report and the Senate report informed us and provided us guidance with their recommendations. They helped us to determine where to focus our efforts in the final months as we move towards the games. We are now faced with having 99 days left.
We are currently working with the federal government's Translation Bureau to partner in the delivery of an outstanding games, most particularly in the area of translation. The translation that we will be partnering with them on takes us right through both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
We've seen the numbers of our bilingual volunteers increase. We're quite excited by that. We're seeing young people join us in the volunteers who are also young francophones. Our signage, as Jacques has said, also reflects the equality of the two languages, French and English.
These are significant developments that have improved since the last time we were in front of you. It's important that VANOC deliver games that are distinctly Canadian, games that reflect who we are as Canadians. That we will accomplish this, I have no doubt.
[Translation]
And what will this bilingual experience be like?
[English]
It means that all Canadians will be able to hear, see, touch and feel our linguistic duality throughout the games. It means that people who are coming to Vancouver during the games will have the choice to be served in French or in English.
Just imagine yourself, for a moment, as a spectator arriving in Vancouver. You will be greeted by our enthusiastic volunteers at the airport. You will get directions to your venue in French or English. Your ticket, your spectator guide, and your printed games materials will all be bilingual.
When you attend an official event with us, whether it's a sport competition or a medal ceremony, you will hear commentaries in French and then English. You will also find your way throughout the venues--to the information booths, to the food concessions, and to the toilets--in French or in English. In the evening you will see live shows in French and you will see ceremonies in both English and French. Your overall experience can and will be bilingual.
In western Canada, Vancouver in particular is a multicultural city. As a multicultural city with major influences from our Asian neighbours across the Pacific Ocean, we celebrate that multiculturalism. But in the midst of that multiculturalism, the backdrop we will ensure is that all relevant touch points in the games theatre will have sufficient bilingual volunteers to provide service both in French and in English. This is our promise to Canada.
We have set a higher bar for future Olympics with several firsts, including signing a collaborative protocol back in 2006 with the francophone communities across Canada. We also ensured that we had a senior director, Francine Bolduc, heading a separate function related to official languages, which was never before done in the Olympic Games. We created a board advisory committee on official languages under the guidance and advice of the Commissioner of Official Languages. As Jacques described to you, that has been a very effective decision.
Most recently, in August we signed a convention with the international francophone community. Jacques has described for you some of the international influence that will have and some of the legacy that we will benefit from with that agreement. But one of the firsts of that agreement is that we have a commitment that the Grand Témoin will not only witness French and the activation of French in the Olympic Games but also in the Paralympic Games for the first time.
But what is of even greater importance to us than this experience that I've described for you are the legacies, some of which Jacques has spoken about. The success of these games will truly be measured for years to come.
This was a major consideration throughout our planning, including the planning for official languages. Over the last several years, working with our francophone partners, the Foundation for Cross-Cultural Dialogue and the FFCB in British Columbia, we have helped facilitate a dialogue across this country amongst the francophone communities. We've made connections. We've brought people together. That is what the Olympic spirit is all about. I am proud of the accomplishments.
We have listened to your advice and to the advice of the commissioner and Senate members. We have listened, we have made changes, and we've made great steps and strides, particularly in the last year.
Our connections remain strong. Our relationship with the federal government remains strong. This relationship has been extremely helpful to us and will continue to be helpful in these final 99 days.
Along with the opportunity of these games to present a great experience to Canadians comes great responsibility.
[Translation]
We will deliver Games that reflect Canada's two official languages. Canadians will be proud.
Thank you.
:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Good morning, ladies and gentleman.
I was in Vancouver during the week of October 14 to meet with one of your major partners in order to follow up, in light of the September report issued by the Commissioner of Official Languages, Mr. Fraser. My questions to you are intended to reassure us that we will not discover, once the Games are all over, that there were gaps here and there.
You said that you have taken certain steps. That is good news; it had to be done. Yours is an important and monumental task; these are global Games. The fact remains that we had seven years advance notice of the fact that the Games would be held in Vancouver.
One of my concerns is the Cultural Olympiad. We were told, as of October 14, 2009, that not many Francophone vocal artists had been invited to participate. It's great to have visual artists and dancers involved, but there also have to be artists there who can sing in French or perform recitations, depending on their art form. There should be as many Francophones from British Columbia and Alberta as Acadians or Quebeckers.
Could you forward the list of artists to us as quickly as possible? Also, I would like to know which French-speaking artists will be taking part in the activities referred to earlier by Ms. Wilson.
:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
On September 15, we received a report from the Commissioner of Official Languages which contained 11 recommendations aimed at VANOC. This morning, you talked about five recommendations, but there were 11. A month and a half later, you are saying that pretty well everything has been resolved. Personally, I do not believe it. I see there are still serious problems.
In fact, with regard to translation, I was the one that asked the question at the last Committee meeting. Translators at the House of Commons will not be working for us during the month of January. Often they are laid off or used for other purposes, but the vast majority of them will not have any work. This represent a golden opportunity for you to negotiate with the government in order to access those translation services. Indeed, one of the recommendations made by the Commissioner of Official Languages referred to the fact that you are not providing translation services and that the problem is unresolved. You will need to make a considerable effort in that regard.
A solution must be found for Richmond. And don't tell me how great Whistler is, because that town has been bilingual for years now. Whistler is an international site where people go to ski. It's a little like Saint-Sauveur in my region; it's bilingual everywhere, and the same goes for Mont-Tremblant. I am not concerned about either Whistler or Vancouver, but I am concerned about surrounding cities that have not made enough effort and which will need prodding. This is extremely important, because otherwise, we will miss the mark once again.
The third issue I would like to address with you is the Olympic Torch Relay. I know the torch relay will be coming through my area on December 11, and I am very proud of that. I will be greeting the athlete who carries the torch through the city, but I do not want to be treated the way one of my fellow MPs was treated. She was allowed to go up on stage, but seven seconds later, she was asked to leave the stage and told she had no business being there. If the Olympic Flame comes to my area, I at least want to be treated properly. After all, these are Pan-Canadian Olympic Games.
:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
We gave VANOC $7.7 million to improve translation and interpretation services. So, that is the issue I would like to discuss.
[English]
I want to build on what Madam Guay was saying about services, not just at the Olympic grounds and the venues, but also at the airports.
In particular, I wonder if you could address two areas of concern. The first is whether or not VANOC officials, volunteers, and employees at Vancouver International Airport will be bilingual, or at the very least whether francophone employees and volunteers will be readily accessible when visitors arrive if they wish to ask for directions or talk about venues in French.
Second, maybe you could speak a little about whether you've had discussions with Vancouver International Airport on whether or not their staff will be alerted to the need to have both English and French services for arriving visitors. When people arrive in Vancouver, that's their first impression of Canada. It's important that VANOC employees and volunteers, but also YVR officials, are fully aware of their responsibilities in this regard.
I'm wondering if you could talk about whether some of the $7.7 million is going to assist you in this regard and what other efforts you're making.
:
I have that much time left? I usually don't have any left at all.
Mr. Gauthier, you were saying that the airports and security there are not within your purview. There is a problem there, however, and VANOC is the organizing committee. There are only a few weeks left before the Games begin. You say that signage will be in place between now and then, but time is marching on, and before we know it, the Games will have begun.
What can you do to ensure there won't be problems at the airports, in terms of services? It is easy to say that someone else is at fault, instead of asking oneself what can be done. We know people who have a real talent for that.
How can you guarantee that these services will be available, so that we will not realize, once the Games are all over, that things did not really unfold as planned?
I have several questions. I will try to go through them quickly.
I would like to begin on a humorous note, Mr. Gauthier. It's very nice of you to paint the signs, but they also have to be installed. If you need assistance in that area, do let us know.
In terms of services in both languages, one situation in particular concerns me. At peak periods, services may be available, but what happens when flights are coming into Toronto at 2, 3, 4 or 5 o'clock in the morning, for example? I'm worried: I'm still concerned that, both in Toronto and Vancouver, services may not be available in both languages, as well as at the actual venues, and that there won't be enough staff to provide services outside of peak hours. Perhaps you could give your answers at the end.
I have another question about health care. We know that the H1N1 flu virus is hitting people across the globe. Have specific or special steps been taken to handle a potential crisis?
Ms. Glover, I want to thank you for you comments. However, I would like to receive my invitation before December 11. That is important, because no one has received one so far, and the torch relay will be coming through our area on the 11th. It is important to ensure that the invitation arrives, not the day before, but well in advance, so that we can add it to our schedule and participate in events at the times they are to take place.
Indeed, on page 8 of his report, the Commissioner of Official Languages says: “Unfortunately, there has been no change in the low bilingual capacity at senior levels from the time when information was collected for the initial study. None of the [...]”--
:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you, Mr. Gauthier. There was discussion earlier about the City of Richmond. As you know, we have been asking questions for some time, because that is where the Olympic Oval is. If you read the “blues”, you probably recall that we had some trouble securing assurances that even Francophone athletes, or athletes whose second language is French, will be able to find their way. The same applies to visitors.
The City of Richmond has a population of 115,000, and 65% of the population is of Chinese or Asian origin, so that their mother tongue is neither English nor French. You stated—and I would like to receive confirmation of this—that you have a good relationship with the mayor or council. We are no longer talking about Anglophones and Francophones; we're talking about a completely different group. Since we live in a country that promotes multiculturalism, we have to reach out in order to be sure there is a good understanding of the Canadian reality.
Would you say that you have good relations with Richmond City Council, such that English and French will ultimately be equal, so that everyone is able to get to where they are going?
:
Then speak to your whip. Yesterday, the Minister of State provided the packages. We all received them at our desks. There is a complete package and it includes the name of the person to contact if you are available and would like to participate.
Once again, it is important to understand that the government would like all members of Parliament to have an opportunity to participate.
Mr. D'Amours, thank you very much for saying that if things do not go as planned and there are complications, questions will be asked. I, personally, will want to have answers.
Mr. Gauthier, you talked about a small organization that is looking after that. I would like to receive a letter from that organization stating that all members of Parliament here in this room are invited to take part.
Furthermore, I have just received information about Ms. Crowder: she did not participate; she did not attend.
:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I would like to make a couple of comments to our witnesses.
I believe this is the last time they will be appearing before our Committee in advance of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. For that reason, I think it is very important to say that we have two official languages in this country and that the International Olympic Committee is an organization that also has two official languages, namely French and English. Therefore, it is extremely important that the Olympic and Paralympic Games be bilingual.
[English]
Canada is a country with two official languages. The International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Games are games with two official languages, and I think it's very important to say, as your last time in front of our committee, that the games must be bilingual.
The success of the games will in large part depend, for the 25% of Canadians who are francophones, on whether or not these games are truly bilingual. The success of the games will also depend on whether or not, in the eyes of the international community, Canada is living up to not only its Olympic commitments, but to its own domestic commitments to have these two official languages enforced at the games.
I wish you all the best. I thank you for your many appearances in front of committee. I'm sure I reflect the wishes of all the members of this committee.