During the review of the annual report, the standing committee was informed that the Languages Commissioner had established a new advisory board in October of 2000. The committee took note that section 20(3) of the Official Languages Act provides for consultation with representatives of languages organizations not less than once a year. However, the act does not specifically state that an advisory board should be established, merely that representatives should be consulted on a regular basis.
The committee recognizes that consultation is an important aspect of the office. However, there may be concerns about the method by which members are appointed to the advisory board and the compensation for duties and travel. The committee has been made aware that an advisory board such as this is usually legislated as an official body of the government and would therefore follow strict rules in these matters. The standing committee would like to suggest that the Languages Commissioner either continue with informal consultation or suggest legislative change to the Official Languages Act to address this issue.