Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Menicoche.
Recommendations
In her 2007-2008 Annual Report, the Commissioner made 13 recommendations, six of which were raised in previous reports. Nine of her recommendations were addressed by the Standing Committee on Government Operations in its Final Report on the Review of the Official Languages Act. This report, Reality Check: Securing A Future for the Official Languages of the Northwest Territories, was presented to the House in May of 2009. The response to this report was tabled in the House on October 15, 2009, by the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. The Minister is committed to providing a follow-up response in the fall of 2010. Given this ongoing process, some recommendations in the Language Commissioner’s 2007-2008 Annual Report did not fall strictly within her mandate. The committee has limited its recommendations to the following:
Since 2004-2005, the committee has advocated for the training and certification for interpreters in all language groups. In recent years, Ms. Gullberg and the Special Committee on the Review of the Official Languages Act spoke to the need for capacity building through the development of translation standards as well as training and certification standards for interpreters and translators.
Recommendation 1
The Standing Committee on Government Operations recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories make planning for the implementation of the training and certification of interpreters and translators a priority, and further that the government report back on the status of this initiative.
The ability to provide language services and revitalize official languages requires a cadre of qualified interpreters and translators.
Recommendation 2
The Standing Committee on Government Operations recommends that the GNWT establish a registry of interpreters and translators for every official language.
Websites can be an excellent means of providing general information. The committee recognizes the need to clarify when two or more official languages should be included on government websites.
Recommendation 3
The Standing Committee on Government Operations recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories conduct a review of its website policies and report back on whether they are in compliance with official languages policies, guidelines and legislation.
The committee was pleased to see the Commissioner’s report Speaking of Health: Official Languages as part of the Quality Health Care in the Northwest Territories. The report, tabled in June of 2008, includes 15 recommendations regarding improving language services throughout health care centres and hospitals.
Recommendation 4
The Standing Committee on Government Operations recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a formal response to Speaking of Health: Official Languages as part of Quality Health Care in the Territories within 120 days.
Conclusion
The Standing Committee on Government Operations acknowledges the work that Ms. Shannon Gullberg has done over the last four years. The committee also appreciates Ms. Gullberg’s continued support of Ms. Sarah Jerome as she begins her new term. The committee looks
forward to working with Ms. Jerome and to her active participation in publicizing and promoting the role of the Languages Commissioner. During her tenure to date, the committee is pleased with her approach to fulfilling her mandate. Ms. Jerome has embarked on many community visits, and the committee supports her initiative at attending assemblies and other community events and her willingness to make presentations on language rights.
Recommendation 5
The Standing Committee on Government Operations recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a comprehensive response to this report within 120 days.
Mr. Speaker, that concludes the Report of the Standing Committee on Government Operations on the Review of the 2007-2008 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner.