Official languages plan unveiled

The New Brunswick government has unveiled a two-year official languages plan, designed to improve bilingual services in the public service and to measure progress.

The 26-page plan, released Thursday, sets goals and identifies steps the province will take to ensure compliance with the Official Languages Act, which is slated for a review by the end of 2012.

Some of the main objectives are to ensure people can work and be served in the language of their choice across the province and that employees have access to efficient language training adapted to their needs, Premier David Alward stated in a news release.

"This plan reflects our government's commitment to strengthening New Brunswick's official languages, which are key elements of our competitiveness and growth strategies," he said.

"Our bilingualism is a unique advantage that has the potential to translate into an even greater selling proposition. As a public service, we can lead by example to help achieve that greater potential."