Manitoba’s government is aiming to achieve full bilingualism in the province, but the exact details of this initiative are still being developed. The premier has mentioned the possibility of granting bilingualism official status through legislation, but some argue that the current laws are sufficient and that the focus should be on enhancing the provision of services in French.
Raïssa Bado, a francophone resident of Winnipeg, is hopeful for improved access to French services. She emphasized the importance of having equal value placed on both of Canada’s official languages in the province. Bado shared her challenges of accessing essential services like health care, car insurance, and daycare in French, which often involves delays or requires appointments, if available at all.
The option to use English services can lead to frustration, ongoing translation needs, and potential misunderstandings, according to Bado. She stressed the significance of accommodating people’s language preferences, as language represents history and culture, and preserving French as a vital part of Canada is crucial.
Efforts to enhance French public service accessibility are outlined in Francophone Affairs Minister Glen Simard’s mandate letter. The provincial government initiated public consultations in June to explore pathways to establish Manitoba as a genuinely bilingual province. Premier Wab Kinew indicated that he envisions Manitoba’s bilingualism being legally recognized, similar to New Brunswick’s model.
In New Brunswick, French and English are constitutionally recognized as official languages, requiring all public institutions to offer services in both languages promptly. However, Manitoba lacks the same level of language protection and service delivery in French. While services in designated areas are available in both languages, there is no clear legal obligation for the government to provide bilingual services throughout the province.
Despite the absence of explicit bilingual legislation in Manitoba, there are existing laws, such as the Francophone Community Enhancement and Support Act, that mandate the planning and delivery of public services in French. However, these regulations have not been effectively enforced, leading to underutilization. Political scientist Raymond Hébert suggested that fully implementing current legislation could be more impactful than seeking an official bilingual designation.
Improving bilingualism in Manitoba requires a shift in the service delivery model to cater to the growing French-speaking population, including immigrants and those educated in French. Statistics show an increase in the number of Manitoba residents able to converse in French, but staffing challenges hinder expanded service delivery. Minister Simard emphasized the importance of reviewing consultation feedback to develop a comprehensive plan for enhancing bilingual services and creating an inclusive linguistic environment in the province.