Official Languages Committee on March 5th, 2009

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

We can come back with an amended budget at our next meeting; unless we have to pass it immediately.

[Richard Nadeau, Bloc, Gatineau, QC]

We have the right to make amendments.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Of course we have the right, we are sovereign over our own committee. Let us adopt the following.

[Richard Nadeau, Bloc, Gatineau, QC]

I am a great fan of sovereignty, Mr. Chair. Repeat the word often enough, and you will feel its effect.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

What word are you talking about?

[Richard Nadeau, Bloc, Gatineau, QC]

I'm talking about the word "sovereign". I am not referring to the Queen.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

That's a very beautiful word, I agree with you.

Mr. Petit.

[Daniel Petit, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

Mr. Chair, if I understood your first decision properly, the budget will be circulated at the next meeting. Are we adopting it immediately?

[Some hon. members]

We are adopting it.

[Daniel Petit, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

What happens if we adopt it and no longer are able to amend it afterwards?

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Yes, we can amend it. We are sovereign.

[Daniel Petit, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

We will be needing sovereigns for these supplementary amounts.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Some will be able to take the bus, so we'll be able to stretch the budget.

[Daniel Petit, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

That's perfect. Call in all those who are going to take the bus then.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

I therefore have unanimous consent from members of the committee to adopt the budget.

Thank you for your attention and have a good weekend.

The meeting is adjourned.