Canadian government adds $7.7 million for bilingual services at 2010 Vancouver Games

Canada boosts bilingual effort for 2010 Games

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The Canadian government will foot more of the bill for bilingual services at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Federal Heritage Minister James Moore announced $7.7 million in new funding for the Olympics just hours after reports raised concerns that the organizing committee was out of cash to meet the commitment.

Federal official languages commissioner Graham Fraser said in his report that without additional funds, it would be difficult to provide all public information about the games in both official languages of French and English.

A Senate report on Tuesday reiterated the concern.

Moore says the funding will support translation services, bilingualism at medal ceremonies and ensure permanent bilingual signs at venues.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Olympic organizers are running out of cash and time to make the 2010 Vancouver Games as bilingual as promised.

That’s the message Tuesday in the latest report from Canada’s Official Languages Commissioner on the preparations for the Vancouver Games.

Five months before the games, Graham Fraser says 10 federal agencies are showing “dismal” results when it comes to providing Olympic-related services in both official languages of French and English.

There are concerns about not having enough money for the number of translators needed to help spectators, athletes and the media in both languages.

It’s not clear if airports and other public service points will have information in both languages.