Open Letter Regarding the Appointment of Kris Austin

Open Letter Regarding the Appointment of Kris Austin to the Official Languages Act Review Committee

It is with surprise, disappointment, and incomprehension that we learned of the appointment of Kris Austin to the Official Languages Act review committee.

As the largest francophone city in the province, we have a duty to add our voice to those who oppose this nomination. We are therefore obliged to denounce the absurdity of appointing a person who has demonstrated, since the beginning of his career in politics, a lack of interest in protecting official languages, especially French.

While we agree with the importance of having different perspectives and opinions in such an important discussion, it is nonsense to select a person with such a polarized opinion. We find it difficult to see how having Mr. Austin at the table will lead to a healthy, caring, positive, and constructive conversation.

On behalf of the City of Dieppe, I am asking Premier Higgs to remove Mr. Austin from this committee.

Yvon Lapierre
Mayor, City of Dieppe