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News Release
May 11, 2007

McGuinty Government Supporting The Francophone Community

New Legislation Creates Office of the French Language Services Commissioner

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is supporting the Francophone community by creating the Office of the French Language Services Commissioner, Francophone Affairs Minister Madeleine Meilleur announced today.

"This is a historical milestone in the recognition of the rights of Francophones in Ontario", added Meilleur. "The commissioner will ensure Ontarians see continuous improvements in the quality, accessibility and availability of French-language services."

The main functions of the commissioner will include:

• Investigating whether the act is being complied with, at his or her own initiative or in response to complaints
• Reporting on the results of the investigations
• Monitoring government agencies’ progress in providing French-language services
• Advising the Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs on the administration of the act.

The commissioner, who will report to the Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs, will submit an annual report to the minister for tabling in the Legislative Assembly.

These amendments to the French Language Services Act also give the Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs the power to make a range of regulations about how the act is administered.

This is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have achieved results in the Francophone community. Other initiatives include:

• Investments of $317 million in French-language education at the elementary, secondary and postsecondary levels
• In the health sector, a $185 million investment to double the size of Montfort Hospital
• The independence of TFO, which now has its own budget and its own board of directors
• The designation of Brampton, Callander and Kingston under the French Language Services Act

"Now more than ever, Ontario Francophones have a voice with their government," said Meilleur. "With the creation of the Office of the French Language Services Commissioner, the McGuinty government is showing its commitment to a strong Franco-Ontarian community that looks to the future."

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For more information:
Marc Despatie
Senior Strategic Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister Responsible For Francophone Affairs
416 325-5219

Charles Jean Sucsan
Senior Manager, Strategic Communications
Office of Francophone Affairs
416 325-4968

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