Ottawa, November 6, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CRTC decision on the distribution of the proceedings of the House of Commons on CPAC: Official languages as a vehicle for democracy
The Commissioner of Official Languages, Dr. Dyane Adam welcomed today's announcement of the CRTC's decision on the distribution of the proceedings of the House of Commons and its various committees on CPAC (Public Notice 2001-115).
In its decision, in effect as of September 1, 2002, the CRTC responds to concerns voiced by the Commissioner. "This decision represents a considerable improvement over the existing situation and will mean that the vast majority of Canadians will have access to the proceedings of the House of Commons in both official languages," stated Dr. Adam.
For Dr. Adam, access to the proceedings of the House of Commons is essential to the sound exercise of democracy in Canada. "All Canadians should have access to these proceedings in both official languages. This equal access derives from the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Official Languages Act and should not vary according to subscribers' place of residence."
The CRTC decision requires all cable distributors with more than 2 000 subscribers, as well as direct-to-home distributors, to take measures to offer the proceedings of the House of Commons to Canadians in both official languages, in all regions of the country. Smaller broadcast distributors will be subject to different guidelines which will also lead to improved access to the proceedings in both official languages.
"From now on, Canadians will be able to hear their Members of Parliament in the official language of their choice," concluded the Commissioner.
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