MONTREAL, Feb. 7, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) is pleased with the reinstatement of the Court Challenges Program of Canada and delighted that the Government of Canada is establishing an independent program in which funding for linguistic rights cases will be protected.
"The defense and advancement of Constitutional equality and linguistic rights benefits all Canadians, and this program will provide the financial assistance necessary for ordinary people to fight for these rights," said QCGN President James Shea, who was on hand today in Ottawa for the joint announcement by Canadian Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly and Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould.
Last year, the QCGN worked closely with the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA) to produce a series of joint recommendations and principles that have been incorporated into the new program. These include a separate panel for language rights and that the program be expanded in scope to include the Official Languages Act.
"The Government clearly heard the recommendations of official language minority communities and designed the new program accordingly," said Shea. "We look forward to continue working with the FCFA and other stakeholders to make the new program work in an accessible and transparent way."
The Quebec Community Groups Network is a not-for-profit organization bringing together 51 English-language community organizations across Quebec. A centre of evidence-based expertise and collective action, QCGN identifies, explores and addresses strategic issues affecting the development and vitality of the English-speaking community of Quebec. It also encourages dialogue and collaboration among its member organizations, individuals, community groups, institutions and leaders.
SOURCE Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN)
Rita Legault, Director of Communications and Public Relations, [email protected], Telephone: 514-868-9044, ext. 223 | Mobile: 514-912-6555
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