Has Ottawa become a truly bilingual city? Not yet | Ottawa

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Ottawa officially stands as a beacon of bilingualism. However, the question looms: has it truly achieved the status of a bilingual city? This question goes beyond mere legislative mandates such as By-law No. 2001-170 and Ontario’s Bill 140 on bilingualism in Ottawa. It concerns the practicalities of implementation and the quality of services offered in both English and French.

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The bilingualism policy adopted by the City of Ottawa grants its citizens the right to communicate and receive equal information and services in either English or French. Yet, the reality diverges from the ideal, especially as you move farther away from the city centre. As many Ottawans have experienced, French services diminish as you journey westward.

In the digital age, access to information is everything. However, there are differences in how online and written materials are provided in both languages in Ottawa. Whether publications and web pages consistently provide equal bilingual information raises concerns about the commitment to linguistic inclusivity.

The city’s French Language Services Advisory Committee aims to bolster French language offerings. However, its limited resources and insufficient support from the city have slowed down the advancement of bilingual initiatives.

The heart of bilingualism in Canada lies in cultural sensitivity. Not taking language seriously will impact the wellbeing of Francophones in the Ottawa region. Take, for example, an image I recently captured of a sign on a cycle path in Ottawa, in which the words for “single file” were mistranslated into French. The sign used the French word “fichier” in the sense of a document (Word document file, PDF file, paper file, etc.) for the word “file.” It is a glaring example of the work yet to be done. The example demonstrates a real need for stringent quality control measures.

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In a city aspiring to bilingual excellence, such oversights are not merely lapses but symbolic of systemic deficiencies. The mistranslation of signage in public spaces not only undermines the credibility of the city but also alienates Francophone residents, perpetuating feelings of exclusion and marginalization.

Investment in high-quality, context-aware and culturally nuanced translation services is non-negotiable. It is every citizen’s right. Beyond mere compliance with legislative mandates, there is a moral obligation to ensure equal access to services for all residents, irrespective of their cultural background.

In other words, the path to genuine bilingualism necessitates a departure from a reactive approach towards a proactive stance. This could involve the implementation of high-quality translation services and a thorough revision of English and French content. These recommendations are not restricted to the Ottawa city administration but also to the private sector, which already understands that bilingual communication enables a much larger audience reach and, therefore, ultimately generates more business.

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While Ottawa has made significant strides in its journey toward bilingualism, the end-point remains elusive. The laid-out legislative framework serves as a foundational blueprint. However, adherence to these mandates must transcend lip service to manifest in tangible, substantive actions.

To truly embody the spirit of bilingualism, Ottawa must redouble its efforts. This entails a comprehensive overhaul of existing mechanisms, emphasizing inclusivity, accessibility and quality. The onus lies not only on policymakers but also on the collective consciousness of Ottawa’s residents and stakeholders.

In the pursuit of excellence, mediocrity is the enemy. The status quo does not seem to be satisfactory. As a city renowned for its cultural tapestry, Ottawa must rise to the occasion and embrace bilingualism not as an obligation but as an emblem of its identity. Only then can it rightfully claim its place as a true bilingual city.

Michel Boulet is an experienced certified professional who has worked in the public and private sectors. He has more than 30 years of experience as a translator and writer. Born in Quebec City and educated in both French and English, he believes he has successfully bridged the gap between English speakers and French speakers in Canada. He lives in Ottawa. Reach him at: michel@5startranslation.ca

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