NDP adopts policy favouring use of French in federally-regulated workplaces

HALIFAX – NDP delegates have unanimously adopted a resolution on the use of the French language in federally-regulated workplaces.

The resolution demands that amendments be made to federal labour legislation so that all employees of companies established on Quebec territory and covered by the federal legislation can enjoy the same language rights as those working for employers subject to the Quebec Charter of the French Language.

The NDP is asking that all workers, regardless of jurisdiction, be allowed to carry out their activities in French. Moreover, all work-related documents would have to be available in French, as would an employer’s offers of employment.

The resolution specifies that employers would be forbidden from firing, laying off, demoting or transferring a staff member who speaks only French or who has insufficient knowledge of a language other than French.

“This clear position in favour of the language rights of Quebec workers who work in federally-regulated industries will be followed by a private member’s bill that seeks to give real meaning to the recognition of the Quebec Nation”, stated Thomas Mulcair, Deputy Leader of the NDP.