Commissioners Named For Official Languages Act Review

We now know who will oversee a review of New Brunswick’s Official Languages Act.

Judge Yvette Finn and former deputy education minister John McLaughlin have been appointed as commissioners.

“I am confident that the experience, expertise and knowledge of these two individuals in their various fields, including law and education, will be key to the success of this review,” Premier Blaine Higgs said in a statement.

They will consult with the public and other key groups, review suggestions submitted during the process, and present a final report with recommendations to the government by Dec. 31.

In addition, they will also look for ways to improve access to both official languages for all New Brunswickers.

Higgs said new technology and growing workforce challenges caused by outmigration have placed pressure on the province’s ability to maintain the delivery of high-quality services in both official languages.

Interim Liberal leader Roger Melanson said the commissioners have a lot of work to do with only 10 months until the deadline for the review.

“I hope the commissioners will focus on the review as mandated in the Act, and not bend to the pressures of the Premier who seeks to dilute the process by broadening the scope of the review to include education and bilingualism, which are not covered by the Act,” Melanson said in a statement.

Melanson also noted that a review of the Official Languages Act “cannot result in the status quo or a weakening of the equality of the two languages and the two official linguistic communities.”

New Brunswickers will be able to submit suggestions and recommendations through an online portal, which will be made available in the coming weeks.