LANG Committee Report

Mr. Mauril Bélanger, Chair

Standing Committee on Official Languages

Room 835, Confederation Building

House of Commons

Ottawa, ON  KlA 0A6

Dear Mr. Bélanger,

This letter is in relation to the study being undertaken by the Standing Committee on Official Languages further to the motion adopted by the House of Commons to have the Committee study the subject matter of Bill C-202.

In undertaking such a study, it would be useful for the Committee to hear from the minority official language communities from across the country as well as from provincial and territorial authorities most affected.

Health care has emerged as a particular priority for minority language communities. This Government has demonstrated its commitment to meeting the challenges these communities face by the announced investment of $119 million over five years in the community health sector.  To further these efforts, it would be helpful for the Committee to explore alternative mechanisms to foster improved access to health care for these communities.

We will follow with interest the work of the Committee and look forward to receiving its findings and recommendations.

Yours truly,