PSAC-Quebec is deeply outraged by news that the federal government plans to cut nearly 340 Translation Bureau jobs over the next five years. This decision is a direct affront to Canada’s French-speaking community.
“Francophones are once again being penalized. This is unacceptable. By eliminating translation jobs, the government jeopardizes French-language service quality,” said PSAC-Quebec Executive Vice-President Yvon Barrière. “The fact that this is being announced on the International Day of La Francophonie shows blatant disrespect toward our community and language rights.”
Canada’s Commissioner of Official Languages underscores in his latest report that French speakers already receive worse services than English speakers. The report notes that there are major gaps in the quality and accessibility of French-language services, especially where communications and public services are concerned. The announced job cuts will only make matters worse and further erode the government’s ability to offer quality services in French.
“Are we slipping back 15 years to a time when documents were sent in English only with a note saying ‘French translation to follow shortly’?”, said Barrière. “It bears reminding that the Canadian Constitution guarantees both languages equal status.”
PSAC-Quebec calls on the government to reconsider this decision and take steps to ensure that French-language services will not be affected by these budget cuts. Quality translation is key to ensuring all Canadians have equitable access to government information and services, regardless of language.