Recently, concerns have been raised on the new approach to designating the language of work in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) units and at the Department of National Defence (DND). I take these concerns seriously.
The government has a duty to protect and promote French across Canada, including within the Canadian Armed Forces. Receiving personal services in either official language is a fundamental right of every CAF member.
I want to reassure CAF members that the Defence Team’s policy on official languages in the workplace, Defence Administrative Orders and Directives 5039-2, does not change the obligation to provide services in both official languages. Services to the public, personal services, training, and instruction remain available in French and English.
I have directed a review of language-of-work unit designations across the CAF. This review will examine how language-of-work requirements have been applied and whether the current approach meets operational needs and respects the language rights of the Defence Team, including the CAF.
The Canadian Armed Forces represent the best of Canada. Those who wear the uniform serve with excellence, in both French and English. Bilingualism is a strength for the CAF, and French is a strength for our country.
I understand the concerns the Francophones and Francophiles have about the place of French in Canada. They want to see our language defended and respected. As Minister of National Defence, I am making inclusion and respect for French within the CAF a priority.
Our two official languages are an integral part of Canada's national identity. Our government remains committed to protecting and promoting both official languages, safeguarding French, and supporting the vitality of official language minority communities across Canada and within the CAF.
The Hon. David J. McGuinty, P.C., M.P.
Minister of National Defence
As a veteran, I support bilingualism in the CAF. However, the country has to ensure Anglophones across the country have the ability to learn and practice French from an early age to the level that they will require in the CAF. Mandatory language training upon and after basic training is insufficient to raise Anglophones’ level to that required to provide services to Francophones. The CAF needs to recognize the inherent disparity when striking out with statements like that of the MND.
Any idea what prompted this statement in particular? I know there are concerns with the changes, but he doesn’t seem to address the challenges that I’m tracking.