Premier Susan Holt and her Liberal government are putting their commitment to transparency to the test. They are inviting you to speak up on one of New Brunswick’s most delicate issues. For the first time in four decades, a committee of MLAs is holding open public hearings to review the Official Languages Act.

According to a recent report from CBC News, the committee held its first week of hearings at the legislature. Next month, they take the show on the road. They will visit nine communities across the province, including a stop right here in Saint John.

A Major Shift in Strategy

This open approach marks a massive departure from recent history. The 2021 review under Blaine Higgs involved quiet conversations with stakeholders behind closed doors. In 2012, a committee of MLAs also held hearings out of the public eye.

Language issues ignite quickly in New Brunswick. The last time the province held major public consultations on bilingualism in the 1980s, the hearings faced hostile crowds, shouting, and even an egg thrown at commissioners.

Despite the history, Liberal MLA Benoît Bourque believes the open format is the right choice.

“The risk is there, I agree, but I think also the reward is greater,” Bourque told the committee. “Because of that, I think it’s worth doing it. I think the good news is there is a majority of New Brunswickers that feel that bilingualism and the Official Languages Act is a positive thing.”

What Stakeholders Want

The first three days of hearings remained calm and constructive. Francophone groups presented several suggestions to update the 2002 act. They want enforcement powers for the official languages commissioner and a requirement to publish all court decisions in both English and French.

They also want clarity on how the act applies to nursing homes. Nicole Arseneau Sluyter is the president of the Acadian Society of New Brunswick. As a francophone living in Saint John, she told the committee she does not expect to receive nursing home services in her mother tongue in the future.

Richard Losier, CEO of the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes, cautioned against forcing bilingual services in all facilities.

“For some people, it’s very simple in their minds,” Losier said. “But it’s not as simple as that.”

Denis Lavoie, president of an association of French speaking lawyers, praised the public format. He noted it helps educate citizens on the issues at hand.

Navigating the Political Risks

Opening the bilingualism debate brings inherent political risks for the Holt Liberals. Opponents can easily turn any controversy into a language issue.

Recently, PC MLA Sherry Wilson accused the Liberals of favouring francophone areas. She pointed to increased spending for the Village Historique Acadien and Parlee Beach while the government cut funding to Cape Enrage in her riding.

“I think she’s trying to be divisive, to create a division between the French and the English,” Wilson said.

However, ignoring the issue carries its own risks. In 2018, former premier Brian Gallant expressed regret over not tackling language issues more directly during his tenure. He wished he had spent more time highlighting the economic and social benefits of bilingualism while addressing the concerns of critics.

Have Your Say in Saint John

The committee wants to hear from you. Following the initial sessions at the legislature, the MLAs will travel the province from June 16 to 26. They will host public hearings in Grand Falls, Campbellton, Petit Rocher, Caraquet, Rogersville, Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, and Woodstock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Official Languages Act being reviewed?

The 2002 Official Languages Act requires a mandatory review every 10 years. The Holt government is also following a recommendation from the 2021 review to conduct reviews every five years.

When will the public hearings take place in Saint John?

The committee will travel to nine communities, including Saint John, between June 16 and 26.

What changes are francophone groups asking for?

Groups are requesting enforcement powers for the official languages commissioner, mandatory publication of court decisions in both English and French, and clearer rules for bilingual services in nursing homes.

Why were previous reviews held behind closed doors?

Previous governments cited the sensitive nature of language issues in New Brunswick. The last major public consultations in the 1980s resulted in hostile crowds and protests.