News release

May 28, 2004

Clear position on bilingualism needed

Ottawa-- Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper has an obligation to specify his party's position on Canada's Official Languages Act, according to Nycole Turmel, President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), which represents more than 150,000 workers employed by the federal and territorial governments and other employers across the country.

“Bilingualism is an essential component of Canada's identity,” stated Turmel.   “It is unacceptable for a leader of a political party to refuse to state his position on this issue.”

Turmel was commenting on the recent statement from the Conservative leader that certain sections of the bilingualism policy will be reviewed to make them fair and applicable.   For Turmel, a statement of this nature represents a veiled threat to bilingualism, and it is essential that this matter be clarified.

“All Canadians have a right to know the Conservatives' position on bilingualism in Canada,” she added.

Turmel pointed out that her union will continue to defend the underlying principles of Canada's Official Languages Act, and she is asking Harper whether he is willing to defend the following principles:

•  Canadians have a right to receive services in the official language of their choice from the federal government;

•  Workers in the federal public sector have a right to work in the official language of their choice;

•  Public servants supervising bilingual employees must be able to communicate in both official languages;

•  The federal government must continue to offer language training to its employees.

According to Turmel, the period leading up to an election is the ideal time to debate the main challenges confronting Canadians, and it is essential that the leader of a party which aspires to lead the country clearly state his position on these issues.

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For information:   Alain Cossette, Communications, (613) 293-9210

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