QCGN Shares Concerns Over Selection Process for Commissioner of Official Languages
MONTREAL, May 26, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec Community Groups Network is concerned about the uproar surrounding the nomination of a new Commissioner of Official Languages and suggests once again that official language minority communities should be part of the selection process.
"A questionable process has produced results that can be questioned," said QCGN President James Shea, noting that the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages confirmed Friday that it had already received two complaints regarding the nominations process. "We will find out next week if the complaints are admissible, but it is certainly uncomfortable that the office may be put in the difficult position of investigating the appointment of their new boss."
The Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne, issued a statement Friday morning commenting that the appearance of partisanship could impact the ability of the Commissioner-designate to act as a neutral and independent agent of Parliament. They insist that the government must protect the integrity of the commissioner's role and demanding a meeting with the Prime Minister to be heard on the issue.
"We commend our Francophone counterparts for tackling the issue head on," said Shea, adding the Commissioner is the watchdog for all official language minority communities and the government must be inclusive of both linguistic minorities when reviewing issues surrounding the nomination process.
SOURCE Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN)
Rita Legault, Director of Communications and Public Relations | [email protected], Telephone: 514-868-9044, ext. 223, cellular: 514-912-6555
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