Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. Since coming to power in 2015, the government has made significant investments in official languages, strengthening the institutions and infrastructure that support official languages minority communities, or OLMCs. As part of these positive obligations under the Official Languages Act, the government encourages and supports governments in fostering the development of francophone and anglophone minorities by providing municipal services in both official languages and having them receive instructions in their own language.

I also note that the new version of the bill includes support for non-profit organizations that provide many support services to OLMCs.

[English]

Senator Cormier: Senator Gold, according to the 2018‑23 Action Plan for Official Languages, the government has committed $2.5 million over five years to initiatives led by partners such as the City of Ottawa. We know that municipalities, especially those in a minority situation, have a crucial role to play in supporting the development and vitality of official language minority communities.

Senator Gold, given that municipalities fall under provincial jurisdiction, how will the federal government support their invaluable contribution to the development and vitality of linguistic communities? Will it be through a provision in the new version of the act, targeted measures in the next action plan for official languages, or some other means?