NDP bilingualism bill creates divisions within the Tory caucus

It seems the NDP has now replaced the Bloc Quebecois as the party to most often play the 'French' card.

Earlier this month, her majesty's loyal opposition introduced a private member's bill called the Language Skills Act which would essentially require all Parliamentary officers and watchdogs, such as the auditor general, to speak both of Canada's official languages.

While the Conservatives - in theory - could undermine the Act by introducing their own version of the legislation, New Democrats have already succeeded in putting the Conservatives in a very uncomfortable position.

Last fall, to the dismay of many in French-speaking Canada, the Harper government appointed uni-lingual Michael Ferguson to the post of Canada's auditor general. The argument, at the time, was that appointments were based on merit not language skills.

The Conservatives are now being forced to state their position again, and this time it's created some divisions within the Tory caucus.

According Michael Den Tandt of PostMedia News, Quebec MP Maxime Bernier has already come out in support of the bill, as has Senator Leo Housakos. Heritage Minister James Moore has also indicated that parliamentary officers should be bilingual.

While other cabinet colleagues were sitting on the fence, some have openly opposed the principle that the officers of Parliament should speak both French and English.

"For any job, it doesn't matter where, I think in order to qualify, it has to be on merit and you should have to speak at least one of the official languages," said Ontario MP Larry Miller, following the daily question period in the House of Commons on Monday.

"As long as the person can speak one of our official languages, French or English, that should not disqualify them, either way. If the person can only speak French, it should not keep them from getting a job."

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Despite his stance, Miller and the Conservatives might have no choice but to publicly support the proposal or risk further alienating Quebec.

Those who thought French/English wedge issues died with the Bloc, are unfortunately mistaken.