Appearance before the Standing Committee on Official Languages

Speaking Points

Good day, everyone.

• Thank you for inviting me to testify about the work accomplished by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) to support the economic development of official language minority communities.
• But first, I wish to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation.
• I would like to thank the members of this First Nation for welcoming us to their ancestral territory.

Inclusive Growth is Central to CED’s Economic Development Mandate

• CED is the federal regional development agency in Quebec, a province where language issues are particularly important.
• It is true historically, but it is also reflected in the economic geography of each region.
• Taking this geography into account is essential to fulfill our mandate.
• That is what we do at CED, relying in particular on our ability to offer our advisors’ services in both official languages in every region of Quebec.
• CED’s mission is to promote economic development in all regions of Quebec by supporting projects that benefit SMEs and communities that will help build sustainable, green and inclusive growth.
• For us, it is clear that fulfilling this mandate depends on the full and complete participation of official language minority communities, or OLMCs, in the economic vitality of Quebec and Canada.
• In fact, the economic and entrepreneurial ecosystems of these communities are engines of innovation, productivity, job creation and economic growth throughout Quebec.

The Delivery of the Economic Development Initiative - Official Languages in Quebec

• Which is why CED provides them with ongoing support through the delivery, in Quebec, of the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages.
• Between 2018–2019 and 2022–2023, CED invested $8.7 million in Quebec’s OLMCs through the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages for the implementation of innovative projects and entrepreneurship initiatives and the development of partnerships, and to help diversify the economic activities of these communities in Quebec.
• Our approach is to ensure that the support we offer meets the needs of these communities.
• One example is CED’s support for the Youth Employment Services (YES) Foundation, an NPO that provides entrepreneurial support for English-speaking youth looking to start up their own business.
• This year’s renewal of CED’s $2.84 million non-repayable contribution to this organization under the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages will help support the activities of YES up until 2027, both in Montréal and in other regions of Quebec.
• Another example: for several years, CED has also been funding the Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation (CEDEC), an organization that develops economic development initiatives and partnerships for entrepreneurs in Quebec’s Anglophone community.
• CED has just renewed its support to CEDEC totalling $1.17 million over four years to help it to:
  • Engage communities around economic development issues;
  • Identify business development opportunities;
  • And put tools in place to guide and assist communities to initiate economic diversification projects.
• CED is convinced that economic development must be done for and by the community. That is why it is essential for us to remain attentive to the needs of communities.
• This is something that is done continuously, both through our network of business offices and through bilateral meetings between CED’s senior management and OLMC representatives.
• As part of the Economic Development Initiative for Official Languages, and in collaboration with Industry, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISEDC), CED meets with representatives of OLMCs on a biannual basis for Dialogue Days – the last date being on October 5, 2023.
• For us, these consultations are very important meetings, since they allow us to stay connected to the issues and needs of entrepreneurs from OLMCs and thus be able to adjust our interventions to their needs.
• They also allow us to ensure that OLMCs are aware of the federal programs and services that could benefit them.

[Pause]

• SMEs are the engine of the economy. For CED, it is essential to support high-potential projects by companies from Quebec’s OLMCs through the Economic Development Initiative for Official Languages.
• A good example is Generation V Boat Building, a new company in Grosse-Île in the Magdalen Islands that, thanks to $75,000 in repayable funding from CED, will be able to build fishing vessels with unique hull design.
• In addition to realizing this innovative project, this funding will help diversify the economy of a devitalized region and create nine full-time jobs and two part-time jobs.
• I mentioned this example in the Magdalen Islands, but I want to stress that our approach is similar in the other regions of Quebec, where there are significant Anglophone communities, from the Côte-Nord to Pontiac and to Gaspésie. We make sure that we consider the economic potential and challenges of these communities when choosing how we become involved.
• As you can see, CED’s commitment to the participation of Quebec’s OLMCs in sustainable and inclusive prosperity is unwavering and it will continue to evolve based on the economic realities of these communities.
• What’s more, as one of the stakeholder departments in the Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028, CED will actively contribute to achieving the government’s objectives in this regard within the context of its economic development mandate.
• CED will be investing approximately $9 million in Quebec’s OLMCs over the next five years through the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages.
• However, it should be noted that this commitment to Quebec’s OLMCs is not limited to project funding.
• It is an essential part of our mission to create sustainable and inclusive growth in which all communities in our regions will participate to their full potential and in which all Canadians will benefit.
• Thank you.

Q&A - CED’s Involvement with OLMCs

PURPOSE: To provide additional information for the appearance of the Deputy Minister of CED before the Standing Committee on Official Languages on November 1, 2023, as part of a study on the economic situation of official language minority communities.

Questions / Answers (list)

1. 1. In what context is this parliamentary appearance taking place?

   • The Standing Committee on Official Languages is conducting a study on the economic situation of official language minority communities, including:
     1. the implementation of best practices and economic models to follow;
     2. an analysis of the funding and services offered by economic organizations;
     3. the assessment of programs currently being offered to entrepreneurs by the Government of Canada; and
     4. the development of new programs and tools that are flexible and adapted to the realities of official language minority communities that consider regional differences and the needs of rural communities to strengthen the economy and thus make these regions more attractive.
   • The Committee invites witnesses with specific knowledge of the economy of official language minority communities, namely economic organizations, economists and entrepreneurs.
   • The Committee will allocate a minimum of six sessions to this study.
   • The Committee will report its findings and recommendations to the House.
   • The government will then table a comprehensive response to this report.
2. 2. Is CED the only regional development agency (RDA) to appear before the Standing Committee on Official Languages?

   • In addition to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), two other RDAs were also invited to appear: the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor).
   • ISED’s appearance will be first and will last for one hour. The three RDAs will then appear together for one hour also.
3. 3. What partners is CED working with as part of the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages (EDI-OL)?

   • CED implements the EDI-OL in collaboration with ISED and the other RDAs.
   • CED also collaborates with stakeholders as part of funding arrangements for grants and contributions projects supported through the EDI-OL, particularly federal institutions (Canadian Heritage – Indigenous Services Canada – ISED – Canada Revenue Agency), provincial stakeholders (Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation- Ministère du Tourisme – Office du tourisme de Québec) and other stakeholders, including the government of the Cree Nation, municipalities, the CFDCs and corporate partners.
4. 4. How were the financial resources of the EDI-OL distributed?

   • When the EDI-OL was made permanent in 2018, the financial resources were distributed between the RDAs and ISED in proportion to the populations of official language minority communities (OLMCs) in the regions as follows (five-year blocks):

   Region	Department	Grants and contributions (five years)	Operations (five years)	TOTAL (five years)
   National / interregional	ISED	–	$1.600M	$1.600M
   Atlantic	ACOA	$5.550M	$0.650M	$6.200M
   Quebec	CED	$9.000M	$1.200M	$10.200M
   Southern Ontario	FedDev Ontario	$3.950M	$0.500M	$4.450M
   Northern Ontario	FedNor	$4.000M	$0.450M	$4.450M
   Prairies and British Columbia	PrairiesCan and PacifiCan	$3.000M	$0.200M	$3.200M
   North	CanNor	$0.400M	–	$0.400M
   TOTAL	TOTAL	$25.900M	$4.600M	$30.500M

5. 5. Do the recent amendments to Quebec’s Charter of the French Language through An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec (Bill 96) have an impact on the economic development of OLMCs or CED’s ability to intervene as part of the EDI-OL?

   • CED implements all of its programs and provides its services in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations, including provincial and federal laws in force.
   • For more technical legal questions, I would be pleased to refer you to a specialist from Justice Canada.
6. 6. What happened to the Entrepreneurship Strategy for OLMCs - a commitment in the mandate letter of the former minister responsible for official languages (Petitpas-Taylor)?

   • This strategy was not incorporated into the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028.
   • The EDI-OL continues to support entrepreneurs from OLMCs in all regions of Canada, in addition to supporting regular RDA programs that target all entrepreneurs in Canada’s regions.
7. 7. How does CED adapt its interventions to regional realities?

   • CED is connected to the community in the various regions through its 12 business offices. This field knowledge allows CED to adapt its interventions to the reality of each region, particularly through regional strategies.
   • In addition, CED’s mission is to promote the long-term economic development of Quebec regions by “giving special attention to those where slow economic growth is prevalent or opportunities for productive employment are inadequate.”
   • To identify these regions, CED has developed an Economic Development Index that allows it to compare the economic growth potential of Quebec’s 104 regional county municipalities (RCMs). This index enables CED to adapt its interventions based on the needs of different regions and their specific opportunities and to propose making its usual parameters more flexible.
8. 8. Why does CED use a different definition of OLMC than other federal stakeholders?

   • The definition of OLMC includes Francophone communities from provinces and territories other than Quebec and the Anglophone communities of Quebec.
   • For the other RDAs, the entire territory under their jurisdiction is eligible for the EDI-OL, unlike Quebec, where thresholds are used to define the OLMCs in which the EDI-OL is available, as follows:
     1. SME stream: SMEs located in RCMs where the proportion of the Anglophone population is greater than 5% and is outside Greater Montréal;
     2. NPO stream: NPOs located in RCMs where the Anglophone population is greater than 500.
   • This difference is explained by the fact that Anglophone communities in Quebec are numerous and largely concentrated in major urban centres, unlike Francophone communities outside Quebec, which are small and dispersed throughout the area.
   • The Official Languages Act does not limit federal agencies in the definition of an OLMC as part of a program - each agency can adopt a definition that is adapted to its context.
9. 9. Has the EDI-OL been assessed?

   • As a national coordinator of the EDI-OL, it is ISED that is responsible for assessing this initiative.
   • In 2017, a horizontal evaluation showed that the EDI-OL is an effective mechanism to support these communities in terms of economic development. The following are the findings from this evaluation:
     1. Relevance: “There is a continued need for the EDI to mitigate challenges faced by OLMCs by providing communities with opportunities for economic development and promoting linguistic duality. The objectives of the EDI are aligned with the federal government's priorities to promote the use of Canada's official languages and to support economic development of communities. The EDI is consistent with the federal government's legislative responsibilities related to official languages and regional economic development. The initiative complements other government programs designed to promote economic development.”
     2. Performance: “The EDI has been successful in achieving its immediate expected results. Specifically, through research and consultation, the initiative contributes to a better understanding of the economic issues and challenges affecting OLMCs.”
10. 10. What are the best practices that CED has put in place?

    • As part of the EDI-OL, governance was established by ISED in collaboration with CED in Quebec. This framework provides for:
      1. Dialogue days to be held biannually where CED and ISED consult the members of OLMCs to fully understand the issues and priorities of the communities and promote other programs that may meet the various needs of OLMCs.
      2. Meetings of the Dialogue Days Oversight Committee that bring together federal stakeholders and OLMC representatives to prepare consultations and to frequently share information about the economic challenges and issues of OLMCs.
      3. In addition, through its place-based approach, CED adapts its intervention to the realities and needs of OLMCs, which may vary depending on the region in which they are located.
11. 11. Which RCMs have an Anglophone population that is greater than 500?

    The table below shows the 65 MRCs with an English-speaking population of over 500* (in yellow).

    	in number			in percentage		OLMC status
    	Total	French	English	French	English
    All of Quebec	8,406,905	6,909,570	1,088,820	82.2%	13.0%
    Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine
    Communauté maritime des Îles-de-la-Madeleine	12,535	11,860	645	94.6%	5.1%	SME and NPO stream
    Le Rocher-Percé	17,095	15,730	1,300	92.0%	7.6%	SME and NPO stream
    La Côte-de-Gaspé	17,425	15,600	1,715	89.5%	9.8%	SME and NPO stream
    La Haute-Gaspésie	10,865	10,785	55	99.3%	0.5%
    Bonaventure	17,415	14,750	2,580	84.7%	14.8%	SME and NPO stream
    Avignon	13,200	11,850	1,260	89.8%	9.5%	SME and NPO stream
    Bas-Saint-Laurent
    La Matapédia	17,255	17,170	65	99.5%	0.4%
    La Matanie	20,755	20,615	105	99.3%	0.5%
    La Mitis	17,985	17,770	185	98.8%	1.0%
    Rimouski-Neigette	56,885	56,265	445	98.9%	0.8%
    Les Basques	8,740	8,675	40	99.3%	0.5%
    Rivière-du-Loup	34,885	34,515	195	98.9%	0.6%
    Témiscouata	19,225	19,065	120	99.2%	0.6%
    Kamouraska	20,820	20,620	135	99.0%	0.6%
    Capitale-Nationale
    Charlevoix-Est	15,215	15,090	115	99.2%	0.8%
    Charlevoix	13,010	12,865	85	98.9%	0.7%
    L'Île-d'Orléans	6,750	6,620	90	98.1%	1.3%
    La Côte-de-Beaupré	29,595	29,175	315	98.6%	1.1%
    La Jacques-Cartier	47,810	46,165	1,360	96.6%	2.8%	NPO stream
    Québec	580,755	559,915	10,675	96.4%	1.8%	NPO stream
    Portneuf	54,900	54,070	605	98.5%	1.1%	NPO stream
    Chaudière-Appalaches
    L'Islet	17,315	17,175	100	99.2%	0.6%
    Montmagny	22,140	21,920	145	99.0%	0.7%
    Bellechasse	37,650	37,185	325	98.8%	0.9%
    Lévis	147,770	145,040	1,785	98.2%	1.2%	NPO stream
    La Nouvelle-Beauce	37,680	37,160	305	98.6%	0.8%
    Beauce-Centre	18,895	18,690	130	98.9%	0.7%
    Les Etchemins	16,470	16,260	150	98.7%	0.9%
    Beauce-Sartigan	52,710	51,890	510	98.4%	1.0%	NPO stream
    Les Appalaches	42,840	42,070	560	98.2%	1.3%	NPO stream
    Lotbinière	34,220	33,730	295	98.6%	0.9%
    Estrie
    Le Granit	21,805	21,360	335	98.0%	1.5%
    Les Sources	14,425	13,860	480	96.1%	3.3%
    Le Haut-Saint-François	22,730	20,335	2,250	89.5%	9.9%	SME and NPO stream
    Le Val-Saint-François	31,010	28,645	2,145	92.4%	6.9%	SME and NPO stream
    Sherbrooke	170,550	157,275	8,705	92.2%	5.1%	SME and NPO stream
    Coaticook	18,800	16,585	2,040	88.2%	10.9%	SME and NPO stream
    Memphrémagog	54,300	46,170	7,600	85.0%	14.0%	SME and NPO stream
    Brome-Missisquoi	63,565	51,655	11,010	81.3%	17.3%	SME and NPO stream
    La Haute-Yamaska	91,420	87,005	3,240	95.2%	3.5%	NPO stream
    Centre-du-Québec
    L'Érable	23,315	22,865	240	98.1%	1.0%
    Bécancour	20,295	19,995	210	98.5%	1.0%
    Arthabaska	73,340	72,045	710	98.2%	1.0%	NPO stream
    Drummond	106,660	104,025	1,570	97.5%	1.5%	NPO stream
    Nicolet-Yamaska	23,210	22,930	200	98.8%	0.9%
    Montérégie
    Acton	15,565	15,290	180	98.2%	1.2%
    Pierre-De Saurel	51,190	50,300	625	98.3%	1.2%	NPO stream
    Les Maskoutains	88,265	86,120	970	97.6%	1.1%	NPO stream
    Rouville	37,540	36,310	810	96.7%	2.2%	NPO stream
    Le Haut-Richelieu	120,195	114,305	4,520	95.1%	3.8%	NPO stream
    La Vallée-du-Richelieu	131,000	122,785	5,700	93.7%	4.4%	NPO stream
    Longueuil	431,330	337,965	56,355	78.4%	13.1%	NPO stream
    Marguerite-D'Youville	79,570	77,030	1,600	96.8%	2.0%	NPO stream
    Roussillon	184,130	144,865	28,380	78.7%	15.4%	NPO stream
    Les Jardins-de-Napierville	30,190	27,720	2,005	91.8%	6.6%	NPO stream
    Le Haut-Saint-Laurent	21,985	15,100	6,530	68.7%	29.7%	NPO stream
    Beauharnois-Salaberry	67,830	63,930	3,085	94.3%	4.5%	NPO stream
    Vaudreuil-Soulanges	161,095	101,340	50,800	62.9%	31.5%	NPO stream
    Montréal
    Montréal	1,980,015	1,156,585	605,220	58.4%	30.6%	NPO stream
    Laval
    Laval	434,650	299,480	82,680	68.9%	19.0%	NPO stream
    Lanaudière
    D'Autray	43,600	42,730	625	98.0%	1.4%	NPO stream
    L'Assomption	127,440	122,510	2,740	96.1%	2.2%	NPO stream
    Joliette	70,380	69,080	815	98.2%	1.2%	NPO stream
    Matawinie	55,065	52,180	2,220	94.8%	4.0%	NPO stream
    Montcalm	58,375	56,825	1,125	97.3%	1.9%	NPO stream
    Les Moulins	169,125	158,535	6,575	93.7%	3.9%	NPO stream
    Laurentides
    Deux-Montagnes	101,660	90,675	7,685	89.2%	7.6%	NPO stream
    Thérèse-De Blainville	161,365	141,730	13,570	87.8%	8.4%	NPO stream
    Mirabel	61,040	57,785	2,210	94.7%	3.6%	NPO stream
    La Rivière-du-Nord	139,185	133,925	3,615	96.2%	2.6%	NPO stream
    Argenteuil	34,435	28,405	5,595	82.5%	16.2%	SME and NPO stream
    Les Pays-d'en-Haut	46,665	41,695	4,330	89.3%	9.3%	SME and NPO stream
    Les Laurentides	50,425	46,330	3,630	91.9%	7.2%	SME and NPO stream
    Antoine-Labelle	35,815	35,115	600	98.0%	1.7%	NPO stream
    Outaouais
    Papineau	24,175	22,485	1,470	93.0%	6.1%	SME and NPO stream
    Gatineau	287,505	225,055	48,755	78.3%	17.0%	SME and NPO stream
    Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais	54,405	39,545	14,025	72.7%	25.8%	SME and NPO stream
    La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau	20,300	16,685	3,405	82.2%	16.8%	SME and NPO stream
    Pontiac	14,590	5,575	8,880	38.2%	60.9%	SME and NPO stream
    Abitibi-Témiscamingue
    Témiscamingue	15,945	13,135	2,635	82.4%	16.5%	SME and NPO stream
    Rouyn-Noranda	41,940	40,880	855	97.5%	2.0%	NPO stream
    Abitibi-Ouest	20,410	20,225	155	99.1%	0.8%
    Abitibi	24,455	24,035	360	98.3%	1.5%
    La Vallée-de-l'Or	42,955	41,210	1,425	95.9%	3.3%	NPO stream
    Mauricie
    Mékinac	12,620	12,475	105	98.9%	0.8%
    Shawinigan	48,635	47,720	625	98.1%	1.3%	NPO stream
    Trois-Rivières	136,815	133,395	1,925	97.5%	1.4%	NPO stream
    Les Chenaux	19,070	18,815	180	98.7%	0.9%
    Maskinongé	36,850	36,350	340	98.6%	0.9%
    La Tuque	14,950	14,450	200	96.7%	1.3%
    Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
    Le Domaine-du-Roy	30,590	30,435	110	99.5%	0.4%
    Maria-Chapdelaine	23,860	23,755	75	99.6%	0.3%
    Lac-Saint-Jean-Est	52,005	51,720	215	99.5%	0.4%
    Saguenay	143,395	141,550	1,370	98.7%	1.0%	NPO stream
    Le Fjord-du-Saguenay	23,065	22,890	130	99.2%	0.6%
    Côte-Nord
    La Haute-Côte-Nord	10,190	10,145	30	99.6%	0.3%
    Manicouagan	29,890	29,385	210	98.3%	0.7%
    Sept-Rivières	33,790	32,405	930	95.9%	2.8%	NPO stream
    Caniapiscau	3,885	2,785	805	71.7%	20.7%	SME and NPO stream
    Minganie	6,325	6,135	40	97.0%	0.6%
    Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent	3,340	495	2,835	14.8%	84.9%	SME and NPO stream
    Nord-du-Québec
    Jamésie	15,615	12,875	2,395	82.5%	15.3%	SME and NPO stream
    Administration régionale Kativik	13,980	810	9,300	5.8%	66.5%	SME and NPO stream
    Eeyou Istchee (toponyme non officiel)	16,025	485	13,130	3.0%	81.9%	SME and NPO stream

12. 12. In our action plan, we have a commitment to monitoring the satisfaction of the Anglophone clientele. What have the results been?

    

    Text version:

    Customer satisfaction data for question 5 "You were served in the official language of your choice". Period from 01-04-2021 to 07-10-21.

    Customer Experience and Business Information Directorate, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

    Legend

    Degree of satisfaction:

    • 0 - Not applicable
    • 1 - Strongly disagree
    • 2 - Disagree
    • 3 - Neutral
    • 4 - Agree
    • 5 - Totally agree

    Questions:

    1. The service offered was easy to access by various means (Internet, telephone, in person, e-mail, mail, fax)
    2. Our hours of operation are convenient
    3. Your requests for information were answered in a reasonable time frame
    4. You were able to easily find the information you were looking for on the CED Web site
    5. You were served in the official language of your choice
    6. Information on the programs and eligibility criteria is clear and easy to understand
    7. The CED's programs correspond to your needs
    8. The information and advice you received met your needs
    9. You were given courteous service
    10. You are satisfied with the service you received
    11. The response time to your request for financial assistance was reasonable
    12. The processing time of your claims was reasonable
    13. The administrative documents from the CED were easy to understand
    14. The CED's procedures were clear and easy to comply with

13. 13. What are current CFDC obligations regarding services in both official languages?

    • In the agreements in force (2019–2024) with CFDC-BDCs, if the organization serves a community with an Anglophone minority population of at least 500 and represents at least 5% of the total population of the community, according to the Statistics Canada census, it must provide publications and services of equal quality in English and French and attempt to achieve substantive equality. In particular, it must:
      1. Actively offer its services and all its activities through a clear indication that they are available in English and French
      2. Promote its activities in such a way as to reach both linguistic communities
      3. Simultaneously disseminate all information, communication and documents about its activities in English and French
      4. When developing its planning, specifically consult the official language minority community so that the concerns and specific needs of this community are clearly identified and taken into account in order to achieve substantive equality in the organization’s offer of services
    • These obligations are included in agreements with CFDC-BDCs and they are granted an annual contribution of $15,000 to enable them to carry out these activities.
14. 14. Do we have an action plan on OLs in development? The last one dates back to 2019–2022.

    1. The last OL action plan is the one from 2019–2022.
    2. A new version of the Official Languages Plan is being developed. Employee consultations will be launched shortly.
    3. The new plan should be available in 2024.
15. 15. Do we have data on the FR/EN employee breakdown?

    About the first official language of CED employees:

    • Employees for whom English is the first official language represent just over 8% of the CED’s workforce. For comparison, over the same period, 13.4% of Quebecers were Anglophone.

    

    Text version:

    • French: 91.7% (375)
    • English: 8.3% (34)

    About the linguistic profile of positions at CED:

    • Approximately 75% of positions (317) are identified as “bilingual imperative”
    • Most of these positions have a BBB/BBB (79%) or CBC/CBC (12%) profile

    

    Text version:

    • Bilingual: 77.5% (317)
    • Unilingual: 22.5% (92)

Support from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions to Official Language Minority Communities

Issue

Support from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions to Official Language Minority Communities

Updated

October 31, 2023

Summary

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions supports the economic development of official language minority communities with its regular programs and through the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages. This nationwide initiative has been implemented since 2008 by the regional development agencies (RDAs) and Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED). It contributes to the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028.

Recommended answers

• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions supports the economic development of official language minority communities with its regular programs and the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages.
• This initiative was created in 2008 and is implemented by Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the seven regional economic development agencies.
• Consultations are held every two years with representatives of official language minority communities to ensure that the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages continues to meet their needs.
• Since 2018, CED has invested nearly $120 million in support of official language minority communities, including around $9 million through the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages.

Additional answer(s)

The regional development agencies (RDAs) implement the grants and contributions portion of the EDI-OL. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) plays a national coordination role, particularly for consultation activities with the community, research, reporting and coordination with other federal partners, such as Canadian Heritage.

The EDI-OL is currently one of the initiatives that contributes to the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028 announced in April 2023 by the Government of Canada.

The data related to OLMC projects in CED’s regular programs are based on voluntary self-reporting from CED clients as part of their funding application.

CED implements all of its programs and provides its services in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations, including provincial and federal laws in force.

Background

Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages (EDI-OL) in Quebec

• The Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages (EDI-OL) was created as part of the Roadmap for Canada’s Linguistic Duality in 2008 to support official language minority communities (OLMCs), that is, Anglophones in Quebec and Francophones outside Quebec. It became permanent in 2018.
• In 2018, when the EDI-OL was made permanent, a total of $30.5 million was distributed between the RDAs. CED received $10.2 million over five years, consisting of $9 million in grants and contributions and $1.2 million for operating costs.
• The purpose of the EDI-OL is to support the economic development of OLMCs. It can be used to for innovative projects, entrepreneurship, partnerships or economic diversification.
• To implement the EDI-OL, CED uses eligibility criteria based on the Anglophone that is present in the area. The following are eligible for the EDI:
• NPOs located in an RCM where the Anglophone population is greater than 500
• SMEs located in an RCM where the proportion of the Anglophone population is greater than 5% and is outside Greater Montréal
• Funding is granted based on specific criteria, including the economic benefits of the project for the official language minority community.
• In 2022, as part of the renewal of the Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages, a new OLMC Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Strategy was jointly proposed by several departments. However, the funds were not included in the 2023 Federal Budget.
• The Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028 nevertheless reiterated the Government of Canada’s commitment to OLMCs and particularly to their long-term economic development through the EDI-OL.

Demographic and socioeconomic data of OLMCs in Quebec

• According to data from the 2021 Census:
  • There are 1,089,000 people whose first language is English in Quebec, or 13% of the population (compared with 12% in 2016).
  • More than half of Quebec’s Anglophone live on the Island of Montréal, where they represent 30% of the population.
  • Nord-du-Québec is the administrative region with the highest proportion of individuals whose first official language spoken is English (54.4%). Cree and Inuit peoples, who use English more often, are concentrated there.
• According to the data from the 2021 Census, Quebec Anglophones:
  • Have a higher unemployment rate than Francophones (11.0% compared with 6.9%).
  • Are proportionally more likely to work in certain seasonal industries compared with Francophones (e.g., accommodation and food services – 7.5% vs. 5.4%).
  • Are more likely than Francophones to have received a bachelor’s degree or higher (37.6% vs. 25.4%).
• The percentages of SMEs for which the mother tongue of the primary decision-maker is English increased from 8.7% in 2017 to 13.4% in 2020^{Footnote 1}. OLMC companies represent 17.8% of Quebec companies (2016).^{Footnote 2}

Key issues and priorities identified by OLMCs in Quebec related to economic development

• Key challenges identified during consultations in 2020 and 2021:
  • Difficulty entering local business networks and accessing well-paying jobs
  • Barriers to employability due to lack of local services, especially outside Greater Montréal
  • Labour shortages, aging population and youth migration
  • Succession planning business start-up
  • Digital adoption
  • Access to capital
• Three entrepreneurship priorities identified during a consultation in 2022:
  • Better access to capital and diversified funding sources for SMEs
  • Strengthening corporate capabilities in the field of recruitment and skill development for capital management
  • Need for a solid entrepreneurial ecosystem or centralized network for entrepreneurs and businesses in Quebec’s Anglophone community

CED’s support for official language minority communities in Quebec

Issue

CED’s support for official language minority communities in Quebec

Updated

October 31, 2023

Summary

CED contributes to the Government of Canada’s efforts to increase the participation of under-represented groups in the economy, including official language minority communities (OLMCs).
Thus, the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages (EDI-OL) contributes the federal official languages strategy, as described in the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration. In Quebec, the Initiative is implemented by CED under the terms of the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP).

The financial assistance is designed to promote the economic development of OLMCs. It can be used to carry out innovative projects, entrepreneurship or partnerships or even to diversify economic activities in these communities.

In addition, as part of this initiative, CED grants flexibility to the intervention parameters of its regular program.

Recommended answers (85 words)

• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions is committed to promoting the prosperity of official language minority communities (OLMCs).
• As part of the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions has a budget of $10.2 million over five years to intervene with OLMCs.
• In 2022–2023, as part of the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions has invested $1.9 million in 12 projects that have generated investments of $12.3 million.

Additional answer(s)

CED is working on an ongoing basis with its partners and representatives from official language minority communities (OLMCs) in Quebec to identify the specific economic development issues, priorities and needs of those communities and to find opportunities and strategies to best address them.

During the 2022–2023 fiscal year, in addition to the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages, CED has supported 23 projects ($28.3 million) as part of Canada-wide recovery initiatives and led by companies belonging to members of OLMCs or NPOs that support the economic development of OLMCs.

Background

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions has for several years supported two well-established provincial NPOs working together to support entrepreneurs and communities from OLMCs. Their funding was renewed for four years (2023–2027) through the Economic Development Initiative for Official Languages (EDI). These organizations are:

1. Youth Employment Services Foundation (YES) works to maintain and expand its entrepreneurship services to regional English-speaking communities. Business coaching, support and mentoring, webinars, workshops and networking events are offered. The non-repayable assistance of $2,846,664 offered by CED will support YES’s activities in Montréal and in other regions of Quebec for a four-year period (April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2027).
2. CED supports the activities of the Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation (CEDEC). The non-repayable assistance of $1,173,332 over four years (April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2027) is intended to engage communities around economic development issues, identify business development opportunities, implement tools to guide and support communities to initiate economic diversification projects.

The following are some other examples of projects supported by the Economic Development Initiative for Official Languages (EDI) and released in CED’s review on official languages:

1. Generation V – Boat Builders is a company made up of three young entrepreneurs and is located in Grosse-Île in the Magdalen Islands. Representing the fifth generation of boat builders and with several years of experience in the industry, these entrepreneurs want to realize their vision of building fishing boats with a unique hull design. The $75,006 in repayable assistance is for this project to diversify the economy and revitalize a community and create nine full-time and two part-time jobs.
2. Secretariat to the Cree Nation – Abitibi-Témiscamingue Economic Alliance (SAENCAT) identifies and develops viable economic opportunities in official language minority communities (OLMCs) by promoting the creation of solid strategic partnerships between Indigenous, non-Indigenous and Inuit businesses in Northern Quebec and/or outside the region. The non-repayable contribution of $300,000 supports networking activities, large-scale events, economic missions and conferences.
3. Makivik Corporation – Société Makivik is working on the development and implementation of an economic development strategy for the Inuit of Nunavik. The non-repayable contribution of $443,700 helps to fund the hiring of specialized resources responsible for conducting consultations for a global economic development strategy with all communities in Nunavik.

Flexibility to the regular intervention parameters is applied to the Economic Development Initiative for Official Languages. Thus, the following activities are authorized:

• Tourist accommodation: accommodation projects equivalent to 1 star or higher, in isolated OLMCs, as long as this does not compete with an existing offer;
• Development of tourism services: renovation of heritage buildings or renovation of buildings to establish interpretive centres or museums;
• Development of strategies and mobilization plans: projects in OLMCs even if the initiative does not result from recent economic crises or shocks.

From 2018 to 2023, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions has invested $10.8 million in OLMCs or $640,000 more than the budget allocation for that period.

CED support for inclusive growth

Issue

CED support for inclusive growth

Update

September 8, 2023

Synopsis

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) helps under-represented groups participate fully in the economy to make it more inclusive. To this end, CED pays particular attention to projects from businesses or organizations contributing to achievement of this objective.

Recommended responses (51 words)

• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions is investing to build a more prosperous and inclusive economy.
• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions supports business owners from under-represented groups and contributes to the Government’s efforts to increase the economic participation.
• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions is actively involved with under-represented groups.

Supplementary responses

CED promotes the participation of Indigenous peoples in economic growth in Quebec by supporting projects from Indigenous-owned NPOs and SMEs and has introduced more flexible intervention parameters that reflect their economic reality.

CED helps under-represented groups participate in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable economy, and prioritizes projects by businesses or organizations that contribute to this objective. This includes both projects submitted under its regular programs and those covered under targeted initiatives such as the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages (EDI) and the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP).

Background

• CED promotes the participation of Indigenous peoples in economic growth in Quebec by supporting projects from Indigenous-owned NPOs and SMEs. To facilitate access to its programs, CED has introduced more flexible intervention parameters (e.g., advantageous assistance rates) and priorities that reflect the economic reality of Indigenous peoples.
• CED is responsible for implementing the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages (EDI) in Quebec, a national program that supports official language minority communities (OLMCs). For CED’s purposes, the program targets English-speaking communities. This initiative has an annual budget of $1.8 million.
• CED is responsible for implementing the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) in Quebec, the goal of which is to encourage Black business owners and entrepreneurs in Canada to participate in the economy of their region by helping them grow their businesses. This funding program has a budget of $24.6 million for Quebec. The planned end date of the initiative is March 31, 2025.
• CED is responsible for implementing the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) in Quebec, a national initiative to help women entrepreneurs overcome barriers to the growth of their businesses. The budget for this initiative is $23.5 million and ended on March 31, 2023.
• Since November 2015, CED has assisted the following client groups:
  • $103.5 million for Indigenous projects;
  • $17.2 million for projects that promote the economic development of OLMCs;
  • $24.6 million under the BEP for projects spearheaded by entrepreneurs from Black communities;
  • $109.1 million for women entrepreneurship projects.

Project examples funded by CED:

• Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages (EDI): In 2020, CED awarded $980,000 in financial assistance to the Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation (CEDEC) to support the creation, over a three-year period, of an ecosystem conducive to diversification and economic development of OLMCs. The approach favours strengthening the collaboration of key economic players within the same region and coaching businesses. This assistance included $100,000 to implement targeted actions to support English-speaking OLMC businesses dealing with pandemic-related issues.
• Women Entrepreneurship: In 2021 and 2022, CED granted two contributions to Evol Financing, an organization specializing in financing and coaching diverse and inclusive businesses across Quebec. An initial non-repayable contribution of $4,475,800 enabled the organization to offer sustained, personalized support to businesses belonging to a diverse clientele, including women, and with a sustainable development component. Then, a second repayable contribution of $5,000,000 was paid into an impact financing envelope to support entrepreneurs from under-represented groups in the Quebec economy, through loans to facilitate their access to financing.
• Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP): In 2021, CED granted a non-repayable financial assistance of $2,995,600 to the Fonds Afro-Entrepreneurs, over a period of four years, to offer entrepreneurs from Quebec's Black communities coaching services adapted to the stage of development of the business (start-up, growth, change of scale, structuring, etc.). The project will contribute to compensate for the limited offer of services and the lack of adaptation to the reality and specificities of entrepreneurs from French-speaking Black communities in Canada.
• Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Program (REGI): In 2022, CED provided $100,000 in repayable financial assistance to MINI TIPI to improve the company's production capacity and develop new markets. The Gatineau-based company, owned by two women, one of whom is a member of the Nipissing Nation, manufactures decorative items and personal accessories for the home and family. Its products, made from recycled fibres, highlight the heritage of Canada's diverse cultures and Indigenous nations.

Achievements in terms of economic development in Quebec

Issue

Achievements in terms of economic development in Quebec

Updated

September 5, 2023

Synopsis

With its 12 business offices located across Quebec, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) is the key federal partner for regional economic development in Quebec. Through its regular and temporary programs CED supports regional innovation, the growth of SMEs and the vitality of Quebec communities.

Recommended responses (86 words)

• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions is the key federal partner for regional economic development in Quebec.
• Since November 2015, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions has supported more than 5,600 projects, for total assistance of 3 billion dollars that generated 15 billion dollars in investments.
• Through its 12 community-focused business offices located across Quebec, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions assists businesses and the regions in order to sustain the prosperity of our economy and our communities by promoting projects that generate long-term economic benefits.

Supplementary responses

Aligned with Government of Canada priorities, CED’s interventions contributes to increasing the participation of under-represented groups in the economy, such as women, Indigenous peoples and persons from minority groups.

CED is an accelerator of economic growth: through its interventions, CED support regional innovation, the growth of SMEs and the vitality of Quebec communities.

CED recognizes the importance of supporting the growth of the quantum sector in Quebec. Thus, a budget of over $23,3 million will be dedicated to help SMEs and non-profit organizations adopt, develop and commercialize quantum technologies and products based on these technologies.

Background

• CED supports businesses, mainly SMEs and the non-profit organizations (NPOs) that assist them, by making strategic investments that have a positive impact on their growth and prosperity. Thereby, CED contributes to the economic vitality of all Quebec regions by building on their regional competitive advantages.
• The 2021 federal budget announced $360 million over seven years for the development of a National Quantum Strategy led by ISDE, of which $70 million is allocated to CED, FedDev Ontario, PrairiesCan and PacifiCan to help Canadian companies expand and commercialize quantum technologies. Of this $70 million, $23.3 million will be invested in Quebec.
• With this envelope from its Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, CED is supporting the commercialization component of the quantum innovation continuum. These targeted investments are intended to promote the development, adoption and commercialization of quantum technologies by Quebec SMEs and the organizations that support them.

Examples of projects funded by CED

• Innovation: In October 2022, as part of the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF), CED authorized a repayable contribution of $250K to Secure Exchanges, an innovative young Drummondville company specializing in cybersecurity. The project aims to support the company's growth through the implementation of a commercialization strategy.
• Clean tech: In October 2022, under the JGF, CED authorized a $500K repayable contribution to Innoltek Inc, a Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu company specializing in the manufacture of biodiesel and biodegradable lubricants for the construction and public works sectors, in order to make the company more environmentally friendly and to adopt environmentally sustainable practices in addition to improving its productivity.
• Tourism: Under the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), CED supported Hébergement aux cinq sens, a business owned by a woman member of the Huron-Wendat Nation, which offers unusual ready-to-camp accommodation. The assistance authorized in September 2022, a non-repayable contribution of $100,000, is intended for the acquisition of three mini-homes to improve the tourism offer.
• Indigenous peoples: In August 2022, as part of the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, CED authorized a $100k repayable contribution to 12329832 Canada inc. - MINI TIPI, a Gatineau-based manufacturing company founded and managed by two women, one of whom is indigenous. The company creates, manufactures and distributes a variety of quality products, such as blankets, bags, shawls, mittens and ponchos, inspired by Canadian and indigenous lifestyles and heritage. Thanks to this support, MINI TIPI will be able to improve its production and marketing capacity.
• Women entrepreneurship: In July 2022, as part of the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, CED authorized a repayable contribution of $78,000 to 12279479 Canada inc. - Gélinite, a Charrette, Mauricie-based company, partly owned and run by a woman entrepreneur, specializing in the manufacture of unique mineral membrane filtration technology. The contribution was for the acquisition of equipment to improve the company's productivity and production capacity.
• Cultural communities: As part of the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP), CED is funding Fonds Afro-Entrepreneurs to provide entrepreneurs from Black communities in Quebec with support services tailored to their business’s specific phase of development (start-up, growth, upscaling, structuring, etc.). The $2,9M non‑repayable contribution approved in August 2021 covers a four-year period. The project will contribute to compensate for the limited offer of services and the lack of adaptation to the reality and specificities of entrepreneurs from Black communities in Quebec.
• Quantum: CED's intervention could be used to support activities or finance equipment related to quantum technologies such as: computing (computers, quantum simulations and programming, etc.), communications (quantum encryption and communication, etc.), detection (sensors, etc.), development of innovative materials (materials with new quantum properties, microfabrication, etc.)

DEC at the service of all Quebec regions

Issue

DEC at the service of all Quebec regions

Update

September 8, 2023

Synopsis

The mission of Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) is to promote the long-term economic development of all regions of Quebec, including rural areas. Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions supports Quebec businesses and communities as they move toward a cleaner, more innovative and inclusive economy. It accomplishes its mission through its programs and initiatives, as well as its twelve (12) business offices located throughout Quebec, and through not-for-profit economic organizations. These include Community Futures Development Corporations (CFs) and Business Development Corporations (CAEs), which are key partners in promoting economic development in rural areas. Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions works to ensure synergy and complementarity with its various partners and levels of government.

Recommended responses (87 words)

• The mission of Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions is to support the long-term economic development of all regions of Quebec, with particular emphasis on regions experiencing slow economic growth or lacking opportunities for productive employment.
• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions supports businesses through its programs and its network of 12 business offices across Quebec, or through economic organizations that it funds.
• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions works with key partners on the ground, tailoring its interventions to capitalize on each region's specific strengths and assets.

Supplementary responses

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions supports all good projects that generate economic spinoffs in Quebec and contribute to the economic growth and long-term prosperity of the regions.

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions analyzes each funding request according to government priorities, program criteria and available budgets.

Background

• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions' 2023-2024 grants and contributions budget is $518.9 million.
• Since November 2015, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions has authorized 5,650 projects for a total of $3 billion in assistance, generating $15 billion in investment for Quebec as a whole;
• By doing more than financing promising projects, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions acts as a facilitator, helping to bring the right partners together around a given project.
• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions has a number of intervention tools within its regular programs to support Quebec regions facing specific challenges.

Budget 2023

Issue

Budget 2023

Update

September 6, 2023

Synopsis

The 2023 federal budget was tabled on March 28, 2023. Here are the implications for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).

Recommended responses

• The 2023 Budget will invest in the priorities of Canadians that are the foundation of economic development such as health, an affordable economy and green growth that creates good jobs.
• Promising sectors for the Quebec economy, such as clean technologies and critical minerals, will receive significant support.
• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions will continue to be a key player in the development of Quebec's businesses and regions, notably through investments announced under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program and support for local tourism projects and events.

Supplementary response

• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions continues its efforts to increase its effectiveness and adapt its interventions in response to the current and future challenges of SMEs and the regions of Quebec.

Background

Generally, the budget has considerable expenditures and:

1. is oriented towards individuals and citizens, given the importance of certain measures that are dedicated to them, such as:
   1. measures to counter the effects of inflation (e.g. grocery reimbursement)
   2. measures targeting health and dental care and support for Indigenous peoples housing;
2. is oriented towards the green transition in terms of the economy and support for businesses, with significant use of tax leverage (tax credit);
3. includes reductions in government spending, including consulting, professional services and travel (just over $7 billion over 5 years), as well as eligible departmental spending without affecting service to citizens (almost $7 billion over 4 years).

Two measures directly target all regional development agencies (RDAs) and others are of interest to CED:

Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI)

• $50 million for 2023-2024, for Regional Economic Growth through Innovation funding across all RDAs.

Tourism

• $108 million over 3 years, starting in 2023-2024, to support local tourism projects and events, across all RDAs.

Official Languages

• $3.8 billion over 5 years, for the Action Plan for Official Languages - 2023-2028 which includes:
  • $679.2 million over 5 years, beginning in 2023-2024, to work with provinces and territories to facilitate access to quality minority language education; and
  • additional funding of $373.7 million over 5 years, starting in 2023-24, to support new and enhanced federal initiatives under the plan.

Critical Minerals / Clean Technology

• $500 million over 10 years to the Strategic Innovation Fund to support the development and application of clean technologies.
  • The Fund will also invest $1.5 billion of its existing resources in clean technology, critical minerals and industrial transformation sectors.

Effective Government

• Reduction in spending on consulting, other professional services, and travel (approximately 15% of planned 2023-2024 discretionary spending in these areas) resulting in savings of $7.1 billion over 5 years beginning in 2023-24 and $1.7 billion thereafter. The focus will be on reducing spending on professional services (management consulting).
• Gradual reduction (approximately 3%) in eligible spending by departments and agencies by 2026-2027 which will result in a reduction in government spending of $7 billion over 4 years, starting in 2024-2025, and $2.4 billion per year thereafter.

Main Estimates 2023-2024

Issue

Main Estimates 2023-2024

Update

September 8,2023

Synopsis

These Main Estimates present financial requirements for the 2023–2024 fiscal year. The Main Estimates 2023‑2024 were prepared in accordance with Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) directives.

Recommended responses (86 words)

• Through its budget, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions supports Quebec businesses and communities by making strategic investments in the form of grants and contributions.
• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions is a key federal player in the Quebec entrepreneurial network through the projects it funds or through its role as a networker and integrator.
• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions is implementing its regular programs and various ad hoc initiatives tailored to Quebec’s regional realities with a budget of 484.7 million dollars in 2023–2024.

Supplementary response

433.7 million dollars, or 89.5% of the budget, will directly support Quebec businesses and communities in 2023–2024.

Reinvestments totalling 49.2 million dollars from repayable client contributions represent the majority of Budget 2023–2024 increases. Pursuant to Treasury Board Secretariat approval, these repayments are reinvested in the Agency’s grants and contributions budgets two years after they are collected.

Canada Economic Development is guiding Quebec’s SMEs and regions toward a more innovative, stronger, cleaner, and more inclusive economy.

Background

• The 2023–2024 Main Estimates include a detailed list of the resources CED needs during the coming fiscal year to deliver the programs for which it is responsible. This document identifies the spending authorities (votes) and the amounts to be included in subsequent appropriation bills that the government will ask Parliament to approve.
• The 2023–2024 Main Estimates total $487.7 million ($433.7 million in grants and contributions, $45.3 million in operating expenses and $5.7 million in statutory appropriations).

* Totals may not match due to rounding.

• The 2023–2024 Main Estimates represent a decrease of $101.5 million (-17.31%) compared with the 2022–2023 Main Estimates, notably because of funding for ad hoc initiatives. The difference can be attributed primarily to a combination of the following items:

* An incremental difference in the sum of data may result from rounding.

OLA Review 22-23 (Achievements for the Implementation of Section 41)

Part VII of the Official Languages Act

Tombstone Data

• Prepared by: Cindy Nantais
• Institution's Name: Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
• Institution’s Code: FDR
• Minister responsible: The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
• Deputy Head: Manon Brassard
• Person responsible for official languages (Parts IV, V and VI of the Official Languages Act [OLA]): Caroline Hilt, Director General, People, Culture and Workplace
• National coordinator or contact person responsible for the implementation of section 41 (Part VII) of the OLA: Sylvie Lemire, Advisor, Inter-regional Initiatives Directorate
• Regional contact person(s) for section 41 of the OLA (if applicable): N/A

Part VII of the Official Languages Act

Enhancing the vitality and development of official language minority communities and advancing English and French in Canadian society

All federal institutions should answer all the questions. The information collected through this process is used by Canadian Heritage to prepare the Annual Report on Official Languages, the Best Practices Digests for part VII and various other tools to support federal institutions with the implementation of Part VII of the Official Languages Act.

Ongoing Dialogue

Tangible Results

COVID-19

2019–2022 Official Languages Action Plan

Introduction

CED's mission is to promote the long term economic development of Quebec regions by paying particular attention to regions with low economic growth or those that do not have sufficient opportunities for productive employment.

To fulfill its mandate, CED is committed to providing excellence in service to Canadians in the official language (OL) of their choice.

In line with the Government of Canada's commitment to official languages, CED's Action Plan on Official Languages 2019 2022 will support CED in complying with federal requirements and obligations.

This official languages action plan is a continuous three year plan updated each year. The updates will be based on the results of the Management Accountability Framework (MAF), the review on official languages and the results of the Public Service Employee Survey.

Bill 96 - Impacts for CED

As of June 1, 2023, CED's contribution and grant agreements must comply with the new requirements of section 55 of Quebec's Charter of the French Language, as amended by the Act respecting the official and common language of Quebec, French (Bill 96). More specifically, for clients who have chosen English as their language of communication, CED must:

• Transmit the French version of the agreement, in addition to the English version, prior to client signature
• Obtain the expressed consent of the parties to sign the contract in English, and to continue communicating only in English thereafter.

The requirements of the Official Languages Act (OLA) remain in force, and CED must serve its clients in the official language of their choice.

Impacts for CED

As of June 1st, 2023, the French version of the following documents must be submitted at the same time as the English version for CED clients who do business in English:

• Contribution agreement signed by CED
• Waiver of loan recovery agreement or buyback agreement, if applicable
• Other documents identified and prepared by Legal Services, if applicable

Does not apply to:

• Notices/letters of amendment and amended schedules (see note below).
• For documents that are not considered a contract of adhesion (e.g. application for assistance form, pre- authorized deposits/withdrawals, claim form, etc.).

Note: Requirements may apply in other situations (e.g. addition of a co-recipient and/or change of recipient). More details regarding these situations will be provided shortly. Contact Customer Experience for specific cases.

Impacts - Template Letters

In the schedules, there are certain merged texts that are written exclusively in the client’s preferred language.

The following sections need to be translated:

• Project Description - Schedule A
• Cost Description - Schedule A
• Name of funding sources (where applicable) - Schedule A Short Description - Schedule B
• Socio-economic impact - Schedule B
• Performance measurement - Appendix D (with the exception of generic terms already available in CORTEX in both languages).

If the wording is properly entered in both languages into CORTEX, the Agreement will correctly merge the following data:

• Special conditions to the Agreement*
• Performance measurement - Schedule D*

* Generic terms are currently available in CORTEX in both languages. For customized clauses, be sure to obtain the wording from Legal Services in both languages.

Prepare and generate documents

Document translation

Trigger: Full project description is written in English

• English and French versions of schedules are generated by the regional operations team and sent to the translation department, with the advisor in CC, once the project has been recommended.
• The translated versions of the schedules are then sent to the advisor.

Preparing the agreement

• When preparing the contribution agreement, generate and review the following documents:
  • Agreement in English AND French
  • Schedules in English AND French (use the translated versions of the schedules)
• Submit the agreement for approval according to the delegation of authority in effect:
  • Both versions of the agreement must be signed by the CED representative.
  • It is the responsibility of the signatory to ensure the conformity of both versions of the agreement.
  • It is imperative that the French and English versions of the documents to be transmitted (agreement, schedules, any other document provided by Legal Services) are identical and that all fields have been accurately translated.

Transmit agreement, schedules and other documents to the client

The English version of the notice of transmission has been amended to reflect that:

• The client receives two signed versions of the agreement, schedules and other documents.
• Only one of the two versions must be signed.
• By signing, the client agrees to be bound only by the English version.
• Thereafter, all other documents relating to the agreement will be drawn up in the language of the agreement only.

When transmitting the agreement to the client:

1. Generate the notice of transmission in English only.
2. Prepare all necessary documents to be sent to the client.
3. Communicate verbally with the client informing them that they will receive the agreement in both languages, but that they only need to sign the agreement in the language of their choice. *Key messages are available to answer any questions.
4. Send the agreement, schedules and all other documents to the client via e-mail.
5. File the e-mail demonstrating transmission of the agreement and documents in both languages in Content Server.

Upon receipt of the agreement from the client:

• Ensure that only one of the two versions of the Agreement has been signed*.
• File the original version of the e-mail received from the client in Content Server.

*If the client has signed both versions of the Agreement, contact Customer Experience.

Key Messages - Implementation of the Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec (Bill 96)

Key Messages

• CED acknowledges and respects its clients’ right to be served in the official language of their choice.
• CED fulfils its economic development mandate and manages public funds in compliance with the laws in effect in Quebec and Canada, and in accordance with all applicable standards, policies and procedures.
• As of June 1, 2023, Quebec's Bill 96 requires that a French version of the documents to be
  signed be systematically provided before any agreement is finalized.
• In accordance with this provision, CED will now send you two copies of your contribution agreements: one in English and one in French.
• However, this does not change your right to only sign the English version of your agreement, which will then be the only official version. You only need to sign one version of the agreement. Based on the language of the signed agreement, all subsequent documentation will be provided to you in accordance with its language.
• Rest assured that, while complying with the provisions of this Bill, CED remains committed to serving you in the official language of your choosing.

Questions and Answers

Sending documents in French infringes Canada's Official Languages Act,under which CED is obliged to deal with their clients in English only, once they indicated that it is the official language of their choice. Why is CED no longer respecting this right?

• CED fulfils its economic development mandate in compliance with the laws in effect in Quebec and Canada, including the Official Languages Act.
• As of June 1, 2023, Quebec's Bill 96 requires that a French version of the documents to be signed be submitted systematically before any agreement is finalized, in addition to the English version.
• This does not affect the client's right to sign only the English version of your agreement, which will then be the only official version.Clients only need to sign one version of the agreement. Based on the language of the signed agreement, all subsequent documentation will be provided to clients in accordance with the language of the signed agreement. CED remains committed to serving our clients in the official language of their choice.

By making the administrative aspects of an agreement more complex and burdensome, aren't you putting English-speaking clients, including those from non-French-speaking Aboriginal communities, at a disadvantage?

• CED is required to comply with Bill 96, which is a Quebec law.
• CED carries out its mandate in compliance with the laws in force, both provincial or federal.
• CED also works in compliance with all applicable standards, policies and procedures, particularly with respect to equity of services, accessibility of services and respect for the official language of choice of the clients.
• In fact, sending documents in both languages as required by Bill 96 will not change CED clients’ right to continue to sign only the English version of their agreement. There will be no obligation to sign the French version they receive.

Do you consider non-French-speaking clients as second-class citizens?

• Absolutely not. CED treats all its clients equally. In fact, while complying with the requirements of Quebec's Bill 96, CED remains committed to serving clients in the official language of their choice.
• CED also recognizes that the economic and entrepreneurial ecosystems of official language minority communities (OLMCs) are powerful drivers of innovation, productivity, job creation and economic growth throughout Quebec.
• A CED program, the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) – Official languages, is specifically dedicated to the economic development of these communities.
• CED therefore pays particular attention to the prosperity and economic development of Quebec's non-French-speaking communities.

Committee Members Profile

Standing Committee on Official Languages (LANG) 44th Parliament, 1st Session

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Chair

René Arseneault, LPC
(Madawaska — Restigouche, New Brunswick)

Liberal
Member

• Constituency: Madawaska — Restigouche (New Brunswick)
• Profession/Occupation: Lawyer
• First elected as Member of Parliament in 2015

Biography (from the political party’s website)

René Arseneault is the Member of Parliament for Madawaska—Restigouche (New Brunswick). A lawyer specializing in corporate law and civil litigation for more than 20 years, he established his own practice in 1996 with his spouse, Michèle Pelletier. He is also a singer-songwriter who in 1989 won the People’s choice award at the Gala de la chanson de Caraquet.

He has been involved in his community for over 25 years. In addition to providing pro bono legal services, he sat on the board of directors for numerous non-profit organizations and is quick to share his artistic talents at fundraisers for community organizations. He co-founded the Balmoral Economic Development Association, Fondation École Régionale BDES inc. and Coopérative Radio Restigouche ltée - which he currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors. He has also been involved in youth sports development, specifically as a soccer and volleyball coach and assistant coach, and as a volunteer at the Jeux de l’Acadie.

He holds a BSocSc - with a major in Economics and a minor in Political Science - and an LLB from Université de Moncton.

Functions as a parliamentarian

• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (43-1) (43-2)

House of Commons Committees

• Liaison Committee (44-1)
• Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (44-1)
• Standing Committee on Official Languages (43-2)
• Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Official Languages (43-2)
• Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (43-1)
• Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (42-1)

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

• None

Question period and interventions of interest to PCH

• Loi 101 et entreprises fédérales au Québec (43-2)
• Projet de loi C-13

Written questions

• None

Main interests

• Court Challenges Program
• Official Languages Policy
• CBC/Radio-Canada’s official languages obligations
• Bilingualism of the judges of the Supreme Court

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Angelo Iacono, LPC
Alfred-Pellan (Québec)

Liberal
Member

• Constituency: Alfred-Pellan (Québec)
• Profession/Occupation: Lawyer
• First elected as Member of Parliament in 2015

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Angelo Iacono was elected member of Parliament for Alfred-Pellan in October 2015 for the first time, his constituents renewed their confidence in him, re-electing him in 2019.

Studying political science at McGill University, he went on to study civil law at UQAM and completed a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Ottawa. His openness to the world led him in search of new horizons, and he obtained a certificate from the European Union and its institutions, as well as a certificate in European community law from the faculty of law of Lyon, in France.

He makes every effort to introduce federal resources to the people of Alfred-Pellan, but also to support businesses, organizations and services for the citizens of his riding. The progress made is a source of motivation for him, who is revising his objectives upward for his second mandate particularly in terms of diversification and increase of federal grants to strengthen organizations and services for citizens in his riding.

Functions as a parliamentarian

• None

House of Commons Committees

• Standing Committee on Official Languages (44-1)
• Liaison Committee (44-1)
• Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament (44-1) (43-2) (43-1)
• Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (44-1) (43-2)
• Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (43-2) (43-1)
• Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (43-1)

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

• None

Question period and interventions of interest to PCH

• Sport - Quebec Games (44-1)
• Multiculturalism - Black Community Entrepreneurship Program (43-2)
• Multiculturalism - Canadians of Italian Heritage (43-2)

Written questions of interest to PCH

• None

Main interests

• Court Challenges Program
• Education

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Darrell Samson, LPC
Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook (Nova Scotia)

Liberal
Member

• Constituency: Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook (Nova Scotia)
• Profession/Occupation: Educator, business owner
• First elected as Member of Parliament in 2015

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Darrell is a proud Acadian, experienced educator, top-tier administrator, politician, entrepreneur, and defender of linguistic and cultural minorities. He has dedicated his career to empowering the next generation of leaders, and as an MP, he continues to bring strong vision and experience in representing his constituents in Parliament and pushing for progressive change for Canada.

After receiving a Bachelor of Education and Masters in School Administration from Université de Moncton and a Specialization in Second Language teaching from Université Ste. Anne, Darrell acquired a vast repertoire of experience in all facets of the public education sector. He was the Superintendent of Schools for the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial - Nova Scotia’s only French school board - where he worked closely with the Department of Education and various communities to ensure quality education for all students. He is known to meet every challenge with enthusiasm, honesty, and respect. Darrell is happily married and has three adult children. He has been a resident of the Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook riding for 30 years and has deep roots within the community.

ELECTED OFFICE — In addition to serving the constituents of Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook in the House of Commons, Darrell has also served as an elected official on other boards throughout his professional life. This includes serving as an Executive Member on the RNDGE (2013-2014), as the National President of the RNDGE (2011-2013), President of the Grand rassemblement en éducation francophone (GREF) 2010, a Member of the Advisory Council on Early Years in Nova Scotia (2012), and also as an elected School Board Trustee with the CSAP (1997-2003).

BUSINESS OWNER - Early on in his career, Darrell was the owner of three successful small businesses in the retail and construction sectors. He employed people from his own community and expanded opportunities for the region, all while operating in a very competitive environment. Coming from a family with a long history in business, he learned the skills and had the work ethic that it took to be a successful business owner.

CHAMPION OF OFFICIAL LANGUAGES — Throughout his career, Darrell has been a strong advocate for the rights of official language minority communities. Whether it is through the work that he did in the education sector for over thirty years, or in his current role as founder and Chair of the Official Language Minority Communities Caucus, he’s been at the forefront of this issue for most of his life.

Some of Darrell’s key accomplishments on official languages include managing the only French-language school board in Nova Scotia (CSAP) for 11 years, for which he was formally recognized in receiving the Regroupement national des directions generals en education’s (RNDGE) “Prix Edgar-Gallant 2016.” This award is handed out annually to an individual who has had a significant positive impact on French-language education in a minority setting at a provincial and a national level. In addition, during his time in education, he was successful in doubling the size of the CSAP’s budget to 75$ million, managing over 600 employees, and opening numerous new schools, serving students from across the province; all the while enabling student performance and enrolment to increase over 25% in 10 years. During his time at the CSAP, Darrell also built strong relationships with indigenous leaders in the province, as the Acadian and Mi’kmaq communities have a long history of friendship and collaboration in Nova Scotia.

As the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, Darrell works hard to ensure Veterans receive the respect, support, care, and economic opportunities that they deserve. This includes working with the Minister of National Defence to ensure a seamless transition for Canadian Armed Forces members to Veterans Affairs Canada programs and services.

Functions as a parliamentarian

• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence (43-2) (44-1)
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (44-1)

House of Commons Committees

• Standing Committee on Official Languages (44-1) (42-1)
• Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (42-1) (43-1) (43-2)
• Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (42-1)
• Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (43-1)

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

• None

Question period and interventions of interest to PCH

• None

Written questions of interest to PCH

• None

Main interests

• Education

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Arielle Kayabaga, LPC
London West (Ontario)

Liberal
Member

• Constituency: London West (Ontario)
• Profession/Occupation: Political analyst
• First elected as Member of Parliament in 2021

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Arielle Kayabaga is a passionate community leader and the first Black woman ever elected to London City Council, where she chaired the City’s Corporate Services Committee and served on the Standing Committee on Municipal Finance. In 2020, she received the Pillar Community Leadership Award for her work in building a more equitable London and Chatelaine magazine named her one of 33 Black Canadians Making Change Now.

She and her family left Burundi amid civil war, and she experienced first-hand the challenges newcomers face in dealing with insecure housing and precarious employment in an unfamiliar place. She is passionate about helping new Canadians get settled in our country and have access to the necessary resources to ease the transition. Her first language is French - she learned English while earning her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Carleton University. After earning her degree, she gained experience in government while working for the Liberal Research Bureau on Parliament Hill and was one of 29 young Canadians selected to participate at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, a cause she is extremely passionate about.

Functions as a parliamentarian

• None

House of Commons Committees

• Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (44-1)
• Standing Committee on Official Languages (44-1)

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

• None

Question period and interventions of interest to PCH

• Multiculturalism - Systematic Racism (44-1)
• Multiculturalism - Black entrepreneurs (44-1)
• Diversity and Inclusion - Non-discriminatory blood donation (44-1)

Written questions of interest to PCH

• None

Main interests

• Franco-Ontarian community
• Official Language Minority Communities
• Education
• Francophone immigration
• Discrimination of African francophones

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Francis Drouin, LPC
Glengarry-Prescott-Russel (Ontario)

Liberal
Member

• Constituency: Glengarry-Prescott-Russel (Ontario)
• Profession/Occupation: communication consultant, political assistant
• First elected as Member of Parliament in 2015

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Francis Drouin was first elected to the House of Commons in October 2015. Re-elected in 2019, he represents the interests of the citizens of Glengarry-Prescott-Russell. He is also active in several parliamentary associations such as the Canadian branch of the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF), of which he is the Chair and the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie, of which he is the 1st Vice-President. As an MP he chairs the Parliamentarians' Caucus for the Fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as ALS) and sits on many other caucuses including the Rural Caucus.

He holds a degree in business administration from Collège La Cité, of which he was a member of the Board of Directors, and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Ottawa. In terms of his professional experience, he first worked as a Special Assistant in the Office of the Premier of Ontario and then in the private sector as a government relations consultant and worked as Director of Government Relations for Startup Canada. As a volunteer, he organizes an annual event to raise funds for Centre aide.

Functions as a parliamentarian

• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food (44-1)
• Member of the Joint Interparliamentary Council (44-1)

House of Commons Committees

• Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (44-1) (43-2) (43-1)
• Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (43-2)
• Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (43-1)
• Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (43-1)
• Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (43-1)

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

• None

Question period and interventions of interest to PCH

• Museum and Heritage - Environmental protection and national museums (43-1)
• Official Languages - Modernization of the Official Languages Act (43-2)
• Official Languages - Support for Francophones in a minority situation (43-2)

Written questions of interest to PCH

• None

Main interests

• Franco-Ontarian community
• Court Challenges Program

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Parliamentary Secretary

Marc G. Serré, LPC
Nickel Belt (Ontario)

Liberal
Member

• Constituency: Nickel Belt (Ontario)
• Profession/Occupation: Engineer, consultant
• First elected as Member of Parliament in 2015

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Marc G. Serré was first elected MP for Nickel Belt in 2015. He is proud of his Franco-Ontarian and Métis heritage.

He was born and raised in the small francophone communities of Field, Verner and Chelmsford located in the Nickel Belt riding. He attended both elementary and secondary school in French. He holds a bachelor's degree in commerce with a specialization in human resources and marketing from Laurentian University. He was a part of the inaugural class in which this program was fully offered in French.

In 1999, Ontario school boards were divided, and 12 individual francophones boards were created. He was appointed school board Trustee at the Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario (CSCNO) the following year.

During his employment at Cambrian College, the network of francophone colleges of Ontario- réseau des collèges francophones in Ontario was created where he transferred to the then, new Collège Boreal.

He is the current of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas and is an active member of the Canada - United States Interparliamentary Group, the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie, and the Canada-France Interparliamentary Group. He was a member of the Canadian delegation to the 62nd United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York, as well as the Canadian delegation to the 63rd NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Bucharest, Romania. He also participated in the Commission on Education, communication and cultural affairs - Commission sur l’éducation, la communication et les affaires culturelles of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie in Cotonou, Benin.

Functions as a parliamentarian

• Member of the Joint Interparliamentary Council (44-1)
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources (44-1)
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages ​​(44-1)
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources (43-2)

House of Commons Committees

• Standing Committee on Official Languages (44-1)
• Standing Committee on the Status of Women (44-1) (43-2) (43-1)
• Standing Committee on Natural Resources (43-2)
• Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (43-2) (43-1)
• Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (43-1)

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

• None

Question period and interventions of interest to PCH

• None

Written questions of interest to PCH

• None

Main interests

• Francophone minorities in Canada
• Bilingual lawyers
• Franco-Ontarian community
• Federal-Provincial agreements

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Vice-Chair

Joël Godin, CPC
Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier (Quebec)

Conservative
Member

• Constituency: Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier (Quebec)
• Profession/Occupation: Communications
• First elected as Member of Parliament in 2015

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Joël Godin worked in the communications field, and was director of sales at FM93, CITF and TQS, to name a few. He started his company, AJC Communication inc., in the fall of 2008, capitalizing on his leadership abilities.

He then worked for Louis-Hébert MLA Sam Hamad, first as his political advisor in his office as Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region and then, as manager of his constituency office.

He sat on a number of boards including the Québec Winter Carnaval, Laval University’s Rouge et Or golf club, the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada, Fondation Sourdine, as well as on a number of sports associations and groups where his children were participants.

He and his family have lived in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures for nearly 20 years.

Functions as a parliamentarian

• Shadow Minister for Official Languages (44-1)

House of Commons Committees

• Standing Committee on Official Languages (43-2) (44-1)
• Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (43-2)
• Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (43-1)

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

• None

Question period and interventions of interest to PCH

• Official Languages – FFCB vs Canada (44-1)
• Official Languages – Service in 911 (44-1)
• Official Languages – Bill C-13 (44-1)
• Official Languages – Francophone immigration (44-1)
• French in Quebec (43-2)

Written questions of interest to PCH

• None

Main interests

• Official Language Minority Communities
• Institutional bilingualism
• Francophones linguistic rights
• Decline of French

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Marc Dalton, CPC
Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge (British Columbia)

Conservative
Member

• Constituency: Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge (British Columbia)
• Profession/Occupation: Teacher
• First elected as Member of Parliament in 2019

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Marc Dalton is a high school teacher who has served two terms as a Member of the Legislative Assembly advocating for his constituents. He was raised in a Royal Canadian Air Force family. He also served in the Canadian Armed Forces and is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 88. He is Indigenous (Métis) and was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Relations in one of his portfolios. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in French and History and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, both from Simon Fraser University.

On his mother’s side, he is French-Canadian and speaks the language. He was designated President of the non-partisan Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie and was the Legislative representative for British Columbia’s Francophones at both provincial and national events. Since his youth, he has volunteered for non-profit organizations such as with our local food bank and the Salvation Army as an outflow of his desire to support people. He is active in his local community church and is a former pastor.

He has been married to his wife Marlene for thirty-four years. They have three adult children.

Functions as a parliamentarian

• None

House of Commons Committees

• Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (44-1)
• Standing Committee on Official Languages (43-2) (44-1)
• Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (43-1)
• Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (43-1)

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

• None

Question period and interventions of interest to PCH

• Official Languages – Bill C-32 (43-2)
• Youth - Canada Summer Jobs (43-2)

Written questions of interest to PCH

• Q-136 - Risk assessment in relation to Huawei (43-2)

Main interests

• Education
• Bilingual governmental services
• Western Canada

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Bernard Généreux, CPC
Montmagny - L'Islet - Kamouraska - Rivière-du-Loup (Quebec)

Conservative
Member

• Constituency: Montmagny - L'Islet - Kamouraska - Rivière-du-Loup (Quebec)
• Profession/Occupation: Businessman, contractor
• First elected as Member of Parliament in 2009

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Bernard Généreux is an entrepreneur born in La Pocatière. He is married, father of two children and grandfather of four grandchildren. In 2013, he obtained certificate in corporate governance from Laval University Directors’ College.

Alongside his career as an entrepreneur, he has shaped his social and political commitment in many ways. Committed volunteer, efficient administrator and citizen sensitive to others, he knows how to mobilize and gather around him. With the energy and passion that we recognize in him, he defends loud and clear the causes and issues that challenge him.

He was elected mayor of La Pocatière in 2005, then in 2009 he became federal deputy for the riding of MLKRDL until 2011. He was re-elected in 2015 and 2019 and he makes a point of traveling around the county and remain attentive to people, organizations and elected officials in the region. He also served as a member of the Management Board and Executive Board of the Port of Quebec.

Bearing proudly his name, he is known for his positivity and his openness towards others.

Functions as a parliamentarian

• Associate Shadow Minister for Official Languages - Canadian Heritage (44-1)
• Deputy Shadow Minister for Tourism - Industry (44-1)
• Shadow Cabinet Minister for Rural Economic Development and Economic Development Agency of Canada for Regions of Quebec – Industry and Economic Development Agency of Canada for Regions of Quebec (43-1)

House of Commons Committees

• Standing Committee on Industry and Technology (44-1) (43-2) (40-3)
• Standing Committee on Official Languages (44-1) (43-2) (43-1) (42-1) (40-3)
• Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (43-1)

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

• None

Question period of interest to PCH

• Official Languages – ArriveCAN and Official Languages (44-1)
• Broadcasting – Bill C-10 (43-2)
• Official Languages – French in Quebec (43-2)
• Contracts to WE Charity (43-1)

Written questions of interest to PCH

• None

Main interests

• Official Languages
• Education
• Accountability

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Laila Goodridge, CPC
Fort McMurray – Cold Laka (Alberta)

Conservative
Member

• Constituency: Fort McMurray – Cold Laka (Alberta)
• Profession/Occupation: political assistant
• First elected as Member of Parliament in 2021

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Laila was first elected to the House of Commons as the Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray-Cold Lake in federal general election of September 2021.

No stranger to politics, she was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta as the MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin in a by-election in 2018, and then re-elected in the general election of 2019 as MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche. She was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Alberta’s Francophonie in June 2019, a role critical to supporting the Alberta francophone community.

Laila is passionate about serving the people of her riding, fighting for the issues important to northern Alberta and for families right across the province and country. She is a particularly strong advocate for the energy sector, having spent several years working in Alberta’s oil sands. She believes strongly in defending and diversifying Alberta’s energy sector and the good jobs it provides.

Laila also played an important role in provincial disaster recovery following the Fort McMurray wildfire, ensuring people were treated fairly and got back home safely.

Fluently bilingual, Laila holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Alberta’s Campus Saint-Jean. Laila and her husband Niall live in Fort McMurray with their two sons. Laila is proud to have called Fort McMurray home for her entire life.

Recently appointed Shadow Minister for Addictions, Laila serves on the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health.

Functions as a parliamentarian

• Shadow Cabinet Minister for Addictions (44-1)

House of Commons Committees

• Standing Committee on Official Languages (44-1)
• Standing Committee on Health (44-1)
• Standing Committee on Status of Women (44-1)

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

• None

Question period and interventions of interest to PCH

• None

Written questions of interest to PCH

• Government buildings in flood plains or flood zones
• Canada 2020

Main interests

• None

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Vice-Chair

Mario Beaulieu, BQ
La Pointe-de-l'Île (Québec)

Bloc Québécois
Member

• Constituency: La Pointe-de-l'Île (Québec)
• Profession/Occupation: Educator
• First elected as Member of Parliament in 2015

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Elected leader of the party in 2014, Mr. Beaulieu again occupied the leadership of the Bloc Québécois as interim leader during the fall 2018 session, then as parliamentary leader designated by Yves-François Blanchet upon his arrival at the head of the left. During his mandate, he introduced Bill C-421 to make sufficient knowledge of French a condition for obtaining citizenship in Quebec. He carried various other issues related to the protection and promotion of the French language.

He also worked to forge ties with cultural communities, particularly the Palestinian and Kabyle communities, in addition to establishing a local citizenship ceremony to welcome the new arrivals. He has been campaigning in the independence movement for 30 years.

Roles as a parliamentarian

• Official Languages (Francophones Outside Québec) – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (44-1)
• Critic – Canadian Heritage (Official Languages) (43-2)

House of Commons Committees

• Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Official Languages (44-1) (43-2)
• Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Official Languages (43-2)
• Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (43-1)

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

• C-421, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (adequate knowledge of French in Quebec) (42-1)
• C-354, An Act to amend the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Act (Quebec’s cultural distinctiveness and French-speaking communities) (44-1)

Question period and interventions of interest to PCH

• Official languages – Francophone pilot schools (44-1)
• Official Languages – Official Languages Act (44-1)
• Official languages – Bill C-13 (44-1)
• Official Languages – French within CN (44-1)
• Official Languages – Unilingual nominations (44-1)
• Official Languages – Report of the Commissioner of Official Languages (44-1)
• Official languages – Services in French (43-2)
• Official languages – Bill 101 (43-2)
• Official languages – Federal enterprises in Quebec subject to Bill 101 (43-1)
• Official languages – Rail safety and Official Languages (43-1)

Written questions of interest to PCH

• Q-3 – PCH’s Official Languages funding programs (44-1)
• Q-4 – Federal funding for post-secondary institutions in Quebec (44-1)
• Q-348 – Court Challenges Program (43-2)

Main interests

• Bill 96
• Bill 101
• Governance
• Francophone immigration
• Decline of French in Québec
• Language of choice in the workplace
• Linguistic asymmetry

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Niki Ashton, NDP
Churchill-Keewatinook Aski (Manitoba)

New Democratic Party
Member

• Constituency: Churchill-Keewatinook Aski (Manitoba)
• Profession/Occupation: lecturer, instructor, researcher
• First elected as Member of Parliament in 2008

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Niki was first elected as the MP for Churchill - Keewatinook Aski in 2008, when she was 26, and lives in her hometown of Thompson.

She believes in true reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. She works to bring together Indigenous peoples, students, workers, the LGBTQI2S+ community, and women in the pursuit of justice.

Functions as a parliamentarian

• Critic – National Revenue (Tax Fairness and Inequality) (44-1)
• Deputy Critic Indigenous Services – Indigenous Services Canada (44-1)
• Critic – Transport (43-1) (43-2)
• Critic – Public Works and Government Services (Public Works) (43-1) (43-2)
• Deputy Critic for Women and Gender Equality – Women and Gender Equality (43-1) (43-2)

House of Commons Committees

• Standing Committee on Official Languages (44-1) (43-2)
• Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Official Languages (44-1)
• Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Official Languages (43-2)
• Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (43-1)

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

• None

Question period and interventions of interest to PCH

• Sport – Soccer (44-1)
• Official Languages – Bill C-13 (44-1)
• Official Languages – FFCB. vs Canada (44-1)
• Official Languages – Bilinguism within the public service (44-1)

Written questions of interest to PCH

• Q-360 – Surveillance and policing and litigation against Indigenous peoples (43-1)
• Q-1173 – Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (44-1)
• Q1174 – Community Sport for All Initiative (44-1)

Main interests

• Offer of services and recruitment of francophone staff for daycare centers and schools
• Francophone immigration
• Official Language Minority Communities