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Gatineau, March 14, 2003 - The Regional Association of West Quebecers welcomes the Action Plan for Official Languages presented by Prime Minister Chretien at the launch March 12. Developed by Minister Stéphane Dion with input from the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) whose membership serve the English Speaking Community of the province, the action plan is concentrated in three areas: education, community development and bilingualism in the public service.
In education there will be money spent to improve Second Language teaching. Within ten years the goal is to double the number of high school graduates who have a working knowledge in both French and English. That percentage nationally now stands at 24%.
For community development, funds will be made available to train health professionals to serve their clientele in the minority language, for minority linguistic groups to fight for their rights in court and for economic development.
Richard Henderson, president of West Quebecers says, "This action plan is a very welcome source of funds for minority language groups right across the country. Here in the Outaouais, we could see some of the dollars used for community development especially economic development. The funds offered for language training to allow access to health services in the minority language will benefit all. We're very pleased that the needs expressed by the English-speaking community were heard and responded to by Minister Dion. As a result of the hard work of the QCGN membership the Federal Government has finally publicly included the English Speaking Community in it priorities."
The objectives are based on a five-year overall plan. Canadian Heritage Minister Sheilah Copps has indicated that the provinces will have to submit a detailed action plan and reach an understanding with the Federal Government on national objectives before any monies are released.