Bilingualism levels at defence HQ 'insufficient,' audit says
By TERRY WEBER
Tuesday, February 7, 2006
Posted at 10:34 AM EST
Globe and Mail Update
The level of bilingualism at Canada's National Defence headquarters is “insufficient,” with operational needs often taking priority over employee rights and language obligations, a new audit has found.
“Anglophones and francophones do not enjoy equal treatment when it comes to language of work at headquarters, and favourable working conditions are not there for francophones to allow them to use and express themselves in their language,” Tuesday's report by Canada's Commissioner of Official Languages said.
“Furthermore, francophones cannot always use their language in various situations.”
The findings were the result of an audit conducted at National Defence headquarters in which bilingual employees were asked to assess the use of both official languages.
A total of 1,883 surveys were completed for a response rate of 55 per cent.
Auditors then reviewed documentation provided by National Defence and Canadian Forces and conducted 82 interviews with civilian and military personnel.
The study found that, while senior management was demonstrating some leadership in the creation of a bilingual environment, a “significant gap” still exists between intent and actions taken by employees in various departments.
“In the great majority of sections, the work environment is not conducive to the use of French and English dominates even among French-speaking employees who tend to use their second language in their daily work, particularly when their supervisor is not comfortable using French,” the report said.
Generally, the commissioner's report said, the number of bilingual military personnel at headquarters who meet the language requirements of their positions is “insufficient.” The commissioner also said the commitment to increasing that number has “been slow to produce results.”
“The main reason given for this slowness is that operational needs take priority over the language rights and obligations of employees,” the report said.
Commissioner Dyane Adam also noted that language skills of military personnel in management, supervision, central and personal services positions “are still a major problem at headquarters.”
The situation among civilian personnel, however, is better.
To help address the shortcomings, the report makes 12 recommendations aimed at improving language skills of managers, increasing the proportion of Francophones in certain sections and requiring “awareness sessions” on bilingualism.
National Defence is now reviewing its language policies and intends to adopt a new official languages plan next year.
