The NDP wants Manitoba to be 'truly bilingual.' What does that mean?

Manitoba's government wants the province to become "truly bilingual" — but exactly what that would look like is still a work in progress.

The premier has said bilingualism could come with official status in the law, but some argue existing legislation is enough, and the focus should be on improving the delivery of services in French.

However it's done, Raïssa Bado looks forward to being able to easily access services in French.

"I would like to be able to live in an environment where there is that value given to both of Canada's official languages," said Bado, a Winnipeg francophone.

"I believe there is more that could be done to really make this province bilingual."

Bado moved to Manitoba from Ivory Coast in 2009 with the impression her mother tongue, French, was going to be enough to get basic services. But accessing health care, car insurance or daycare in French often comes with delays and sometimes is only available by appointment — if at all.

"It becomes a guessing game, or you have to make the decision: my needs, are [they] urgent enough that I can get it in English and work with that, or am I okay to wait so I can have the service in French?" Bado said.

The choice to use English services comes with a cost — frustration, constant translation and the risk of misunderstandings, she said.

"The need to accommodate people was always present," she said. "For basic needs and services … people want to get that in the language of choice."

For her, it is also a matter of respect.

"It's not just a language. It's a whole history, it's a whole culture. We really want to keep it being part of Canada," she said. "That's kind of the dream."

Improving access of public services in French is one of the tasks laid out in Francophone Affairs Minister Glen Simard's mandate letter.

In June, the provincial government launched public consultations on how to make Manitoba a "truly bilingual province." 

Asked by Radio-Canada what that would look like, Premier Wab Kinew said Manitoba bilingualism should be recognized in law, as in New Brunswick.