Harper Government Consults Canadians in Eastern Ontario on the next Phase of the Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality

ROCKLAND, ON, June 1, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today consulted minority language communities in Eastern Ontario on their priorities in one of a series of pan-Canadian Government consultations on official languages.

"Our Government recognizes the importance of Canada's official languages to our communities, culture, and history," said Minister Moore. "We are committed to protecting, celebrating, and strengthening linguistic duality. We are now consulting with Canadians about the best ways to proceed so that everyone benefits."

The Harper Government has undertaken extensive consultations to meet with Canadians from all provinces and territories. In addition to Rockland, consultations are being held in Victoria, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Sudbury, Québec City, Montréal, Fredericton, Moncton, Charlottetown, Halifax, St. John's, Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit. Consultations will also be held in smaller communities across Canada.

In addition, an online forum will enable Canadians who cannot take part in the consultation sessions to share their viewpoints.

The Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future is an unprecedented government-wide investment of $1.1 billion over five years that reaffirms the Harper Government's commitment to our two official languages and to ensuring the vitality of official-language minority communities.

You can access the online consultations at www.pch.gc.ca/olconsultationslo.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)