QCGN files complaint with Commissioner of Official Languages about Throne
Speech Snub

MONTREAL, April 14 /CNW Telbec/ - Noting the absence of any reference to Quebec's Official Language Minority Community in the Throne Speech, the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) this week filed an official complaint with the Commissioner of Official Languages expressing our dismay and concern about the omission.

QCGN President Robert Donnelly noted that the Throne Speech prioritized support for Francophone communities outside Quebec, but omitted any reference to that other official language minority in Canada - the English-speaking Community of Quebec.

"Our concern is the message this omission sends to federal government bureaucrats and departments who are charged with support programs for Official Language Minority Communities," said Mr. Donnelly, noting the Throne Speech announces Federal Government priorities for the new parliamentary session.

The QCGN has asked Commission Graham Fraser to use his powers to investigate our concerns with a view to ensuring that the vitality of the English-speaking Community of Quebec is to be given equal consideration and equitable resources by the Government of Canada in the Government's fulfillment of its legal and moral obligations set forth in the Official Languages Act.

Under Part VII of the Official Languages Act, the Government of Canada is committed to enhancing the vitality of English and French minorities in Canada and supporting their development as well as fostering the full recognition of the use of English and French in Canadian society. The goal is to enable Anglophone and Francophone minority communities Canada to achieve their full potential and ensure they have access to the same benefits as the rest of the population. Almost two million Canadians, about half which are Quebecers whose first official language spoken is English, belong to an official language minority community.

    
    To read the QCGN's reaction to the Throne Speech:
   
http://www.qcgn.com/files/QCGN/aQCGN_Complaint_Throne_Speech_2010_04.12.pdf
    For a copy of our letter to the Commissioner's office:
   
http://www.qcgn.com/files/QCGN/aQCGN_Complaint_Throne_Speech_2010_04.12.pdf
    

The Quebec Community Groups Network (www.qcgn.ca) is a not-for-profit organization bringing together 32 English language community organizations across Quebec. Its mission is to identify, explore and address strategic issues affecting the development and vitality of English-speaking Quebec and to encourage dialogue and collaboration among its member organizations, individuals, community groups, institutions and leaders.

For further information: Rita Legault, Director of Communications, [phone], ext. 223, cellular: [phone], [email protected]