This article analyzes the positions advanced by Parliamentarians and other interested parties, including the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada, surrounding Bill C-72. This article concludes that in 1988, a clear and significant majority of Parliamentarians considered that the federal linguistic regime would be greatly improved if the Commissioner were given standing to participate in, or maintain court proceedings. It was deemed advisable that the Commissioner assume a leading role in the courts, notably as a plaintiff—a point of view based on the Commissioner's expertise and on his budget. That being so, the Minister of Justice of the time noted that the Commissioner should assume this new role only in cases of necessity. This view differed significantly from that of official language communities in a minority situation. These communities advocated for the establishment of an administrative tribunal devoted to the status and use of French and English and their rights, and that could, when needed, sanction federal institutions. The Commissioner in 1988 recognized the advantages of providing for a court remedy for breaches of statutory language rights, but seemed reticent to the idea that he would play an active role in the courts. This article concludes that since 1988, the Commissioner has seemed reticent to use all of the legal powers that have been invested in him.