Evidence of meeting #35 for Official Languages in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was rcmp.
A recording is available from Parliament.
10 a.m.
Conservative
10 a.m.
A/Commr Daniel Dubeau
Okay.
10 a.m.
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
If you'll allow me, Mr. Chair, I am going to share the time allotted to me.
So, take the first minute of this time to answer Mr. Nadeau's questions.
10 a.m.
A/Commr Daniel Dubeau
Thank you, sir.
As champion—and in the name of our whole league—I feel that the comments that have been made are unacceptable. Using Google Translate is unacceptable. We know it, and that's why we, as members of the RCMP's senior management, intervened immediately to correct the situation. It was really clear that this was not acceptable, that this was not a decision made in accordance with the act, and we corrected it.
However, a lot of our members are prepared to provide services in both official languages. There are a lot of RCMP members in British Columbia who are providing services—as we speak—in both official languages. I want to make sure that we're clear on that. Not all RCMP members use Google Translate. I say this as official languages champion, as a Franco-Albertan, as someone who worked in Swift Current and who knows Gravelbourg.
10 a.m.
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
Thank you, Mr. Dubeau. First, I apologize for missing part of the meeting. I am certainly going to read the minutes because I get the impression that it has probably been a very interesting one.
However, I want to follow up on the invitation from Mr. Galipeau, my constituent. Ms. Ferreira, you said that the RCMP coat of arms is being discussed on an ongoing basis.
Could you tell me how much time you would like to have before coming back to the committee again with an indication about whether the RCMP can remedy the situation, and when you could do it? How much time would you need to do that?
10:05 a.m.
Director of Official Languages, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
It is very difficult for me to answer because we hadn't planned to discuss that exactly today.
10:05 a.m.
Director of Official Languages, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Six months for communications?
10:05 a.m.
A/Commr Daniel Dubeau
We will check.
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
As an MP, I intend to give my constituents answers, even if it may take years. I was asked to get an answer to this question, which is a concern to one of my constituents, even if he didn't vote for me.
I am serious. The issue of the coats of arms is really symbolic, and I think that you're serious, as well. Isn't two months a reasonable time frame to get an indication that it can be done and to find out how much time it would take to do it?
10:05 a.m.
A/Commr Daniel Dubeau
I think it's reasonable. We will ask the question and get back to you in two months.
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
So, by the end of January, we'll have a better idea of what to think.
10:05 a.m.
A/Commr Daniel Dubeau
Yes.
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
Excellent. There's a second thing. If I've understood it correctly, there are 10,000 employees in the Pacific region, including officers and civilians, and there is one person who does translation. Is that right?
10:05 a.m.
Director of Official Languages, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Currently.
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
10:05 a.m.
Director of Official Languages, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
There is one translator. She's not the only one who does translation. There is an actual translator, but she isn't the only person who does translation. We also use the Translation Bureau, as mentioned. And we use the services of other translators throughout the region, and in the RCMP.
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
I'm serious. I want to know. How much work does this translator do? How many words a day, a month, does she translate?
10:05 a.m.
Director of Official Languages, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Unfortunately, I cannot answer your question because it all depends on the region's needs and what the region produces.
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
What I'm trying to find out is whether you're aware of how much work this represents or if you know how much work there is.
10:05 a.m.
Director of Official Languages, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
I can tell you that the workload demands more than one position.
10:05 a.m.
Director of Official Languages, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
I can't tell you because it is really based on the region's needs. The region has to identify its needs.
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
