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The NDP’s languages critic tabled a private member’s bill Tuesday that would require filling positions such as auditor-general and privacy commissioner to be proficient in both official languages.

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“Parliament operates in both official languages. Neither language takes precedence over the other,” Yvon Godin said at a news conference.

The bill would require people appointed by cabinet resolutions to be able to express themselves clearly in both official languages and understand both French and English without the help of an interpreter.

Ten positions, from chief electoral officer to ethics commissioner, would be affected.

Parliamentary officers have the “huge responsibility” of looking after the public interest and making recommendations, and the bill would ensure everyone could be able benefit from their advice and expertise, said Godin.

The Conservative government is “turning a blind eye to the shortcomings of language rights in the public service,” said Alexandrine Latendresse, the NDP’s deputy critic for democratic reform, who tabled the bill.

“The respect for official languages in Canada under the Conservative government is a bit like a boat without a captain,” Latendresse said.

Last November, Michael Ferguson was appointed auditor general, even though he is a unilingual anglophone, sparking an outcry. Ferguson has since been taking French classes.

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