“With only ten months until the deadline for the review of the Official Languages Act to be completed, the commissioners have a lot of work to do in a short period of time. They haven’t been given an easy task.

The review of the Act is to ensure the continued protection of New Brunswickers language rights and that both official languages are equally respected by government and in the delivery of government services. I hope the commissioners will focus on the review as mandated in the Act, and not bend to the pressures of the Premier who seeks to dilute the process by broadening the scope of the review to include education and bilingualism, which are not covered by the Act.

It is important to remember that, according to the Constitution, a review of the Official Languages Act cannot result in the status quo or a weakening of the equality of the two languages and the two official linguistic communities.”

Roger Melanson

Leader of the Official Opposition