ARCHIVED - 4. Conclusion
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As outlined in this report, the Commissioner has noted some significant progress on the part of VANOC, Canadian Heritage and a number of other federal institutions with regard to ensuring that the Vancouver 2010 Games are fully bilingual, in accordance with the Official Languages Act and the Multi-Party Agreement. Overall, the follow-up to the Raising Our Game study published in December 2008 and the awareness campaign conducted with federal institutions shows an improvement in the amount of measures being taken. However, this report makes it clear that much work remains to be done. VANOC and Canadian Heritage will need to increase their efforts and work together in the few months remaining before the Games begin, in particular in the areas of translation, signage and the recruitment of bilingual volunteers. The other federal institutions included in this follow-up must improve their performance in terms of communications with the public, active offer and services to the travelling public, and address potential issues related to the coordination of health and security responses.
Much is at stake, but there is still time left for everyone involved— if they act quickly—to address the key areas of concern that have been outlined in this report.
All Canadians, from visitors to journalists to the athletes who will be representing our country, deserve to experience these Games in the official language of their choice. With the eyes of the whole country turned to the Games, the Government of Canada has an unprecedented opportunity to leave a lasting impression on all Canadians of its commitment to linguistic duality. Moreover, with the Grand Témoin de la Francophonie and other international observers paying close attention to these Games, Vancouver 2010 represents a unique opportunity for Canada to shine on the world stage as a country that is capable of hosting exemplary bilingual Games and that is proud of its two official languages.
The Commissioner wishes to continue the dialogue with VANOC and various federal institutions over the course of the coming months with a view to ensuring that the Games are truly bilingual and reflective of Canada’s two official language communities. The Commissioner intends to follow up on the recommendations made in this report.
