Document Information

Date: 1969-06-04
By: Jean-Jacques Bertrand (Québec), John P. Robarts (Ontario)
Citation: Constitutional Conference, Sub-Committee on Official Languages, An Agreement for Co-operation and Exchange in Educational and Cultural Matters between the Government of Ontario and the Government of Quebec, Doc 152 (Quebec: 4 June 1969).
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Document No. 152
June 4, 1969

CONSTITUTIONAL CONFERENCE
SUB-COMMITTEE ON OFFICIAL LANGUAGES

AN AGREEMENT FOR CO-OPERATION AND EXCHANGE IN EDUCATIONAL
AND CULTURAL MATTERS
BETWEEN
THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO AND THE GOVERNMENT OF QUEBEC

OL/ONT-QUE/DI/15

AN AGREEMENT FOR CO-OPERATION AND EXCHANGE IN EDUCATIONAL
AND CULTURAL MATTERS
BETWEEN
THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO AND THE GOVERNMENT OF QUEBEC

June 4, 1969

Preamble

THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO AND THE GOVERNMENT OF QUEBEC

CONSCIOUS of the historic and linguistic heritage of Canada which
has developped from two communities: one English-speaking, the other French-
speaking, which together with citizens from many other ethnic groups, have
moulded the character of Canada;

RECOGNIZING that the working languages of Canada are English and
French;

RECOGNIZING the variety of exchanges in which our two provinces
have participated over the years;

CONVINCED that increased co-operation between our two provinces
is essential to the continued strength of the country;

AGREE to promote a programme of exchanges in the educational and
cultural fields.

PART I

Languages

Article 1

We will provide, within the areas under our jurisdiction and
wherever feasible, public services in the English and French languages.

Article 2

We will provide education, wherever feasible, to students of the
French-speaking and English-speaking minority in the language of that
minority. We will also provide them with the means to acquire a good
command of the language of the majority.

-2-

PART II

Government Administration

Article 3

We will exchange the texts of our statutes and regulations as
they are published. We will also exchange government publications in
other areas of public administration.

Article 4

We will implement an exchange programme between our public
servants. We will also provide mutual assistance to train our staffs
and we will produce appropriate government publications in both the
English and French languages.

Article 5

We will exchange information in the fields of translation and
interpretation, and we will work together to provide facilities for the
training of translators and interpreters.

Article 6

We will foster contacts between representatives of our local
governments and we will enourage the twinning of our cities and towns.

PART III

Education

Article 7

We will exchange information on the methods of teaching English
and French and encourage exchanges of specialists in these fields.

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Article 8

We will encourage exchanges among teachers, administrators and
students at all levels and in all fields of our educational systems.

Article 9

We will co-operate in establishing exchange programmes for the
development of language teachers.

Article 10

We will co-operate in establishing standards for recognition of
teacher training programmes undertaken in each other’s province.

Article 11

We will encourage agreements among educational institutions at
all levels for granting recognition for studies undertaken in each other’s
province.

Article 12

In co-operation with the many private non-profit organizations
now engaged in student exchanges, we will encourage summer employment
exchanges to enable our young people to become better acquainted with
each other and each other’s customs.

Article 13

We will exchange technical information and programmes in the field
of educational broadcasting and television.

PART IV

Cultural Affairs

Article 14

We will promote co-operation and exchanges in the arts in all
forms. The exchanges will include such areas as literature, music, theatre,
dance, visual arts, libraries, archives, museums and folk arts.

-4-

Article 15

We will encourage exchanges featuring the contributions of our
many ethnic groups.

PART V

Implementation of the Agreement

Article 16

We will appoint a Permanent Commission for Ontario-Quebec Co-
operation, consisting of at least five representatives from each Government.
The Commission will be responsible for implementing the provisions of this
Agreement. Two Co-Chairmen will be appointed, one by each Government.
The Commission will meet at least twice a year, alternately in Toronto
and Quebec City.

Article 17

We will appropriate funds each year for the successful implemen-
tation of the terms of this Agreement. We will each allocate at least
one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) annually for this purpose.

Article 18

We concur that this Agreement shall come into force on the date
of its signature. It shall continue in operation unless cancelled by
either or both parties on at least six months notice.

Agreed upon at Quebec City this fourth day of June 1969, in two copies,
one in English and the other in French, both texts being equally valid.

For the Government of Quebec

Jean-Jacques Bertrand
Prime Minister

For the Government of Ontario
John P. Robarts
Prime Minister