Official Languages Committee on March 26th, 2013

Evidence of meeting #73 for Official Languages in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was positions.

A video is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

Bill C-419, An Act respecting language skills

MPs speaking

Michael Chong

Alexandrine Latendresse

Pierre Dionne Labelle

Also speaking

Marie-France Kenny President, Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada

Stephen Thompson Director, Policy, Research and Public Affairs, Quebec Community Groups Network

James Shea Member, Board of Directors, Quebec Community Groups Network

5:25 p.m.

President, Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada

Marie-France Kenny

Mr. Gourde, I remain convinced that someone could be found, whatever the position. I am sincerely convinced that if the official languages commissioner were no longer there tomorrow morning, we could appoint a bilingual person from the Office of the Commissioner to ensure the position was staffed during two or three months, without having to shut down the position. Where there's a will, there's a way. I became aware of this because I was often told also that it would be hard to find someone.

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Michael Chong

Thank you.

I thank the witnesses for being here.

We need to adopt a budget for the study of Bill C-419.

You have a projected budget in front of you in the amount of $3,900.

Mr. O'Toole.

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

Erin O'Toole Conservative Durham, ON

I move that we approve the $3,900, Mr. Chair.

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Michael Chong

Mr. O'Toole has moved that we adopt the budget in the amount of $3,900 for the study of this bill.

On a point of order, Madame Bateman.

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

Joyce Bateman Conservative Winnipeg South Centre, MB

I have a point of order. I would like us to use tools such as videoconferencing in order to reduce costs. This is the new standard for the federal government. It should be the same thing here, if possible.

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Michael Chong

Yes.

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

Joyce Bateman Conservative Winnipeg South Centre, MB

Of course, sometimes it is not possible, but videoconferencing is a good idea.

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Michael Chong

Thank you for that point of debate. I appreciate that. In fact, I believe that the Commissioner of Official Languages, who is our next witness to appear at our next meeting, for scheduling reasons will be making his appearance via video conference.

Is there further debate on this motion in front of us?

5:25 p.m.

NDP

Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB

I just wanted to say that the information I received.... Are you talking about Skype?

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

Joyce Bateman Conservative Winnipeg South Centre, MB

No, I am talking about videoconferences. We have equipment, tools...

5:25 p.m.

NDP

Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB

I am thinking about the other witnesses we still have to hear. I think that the Commissioner of Official Languages is another witness, but are there others as well?

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Michael Chong

He is the last witness.

5:25 p.m.

NDP

Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB

I don't think we want to hear his testimony via videoconference.

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Michael Chong

He's appearing via video conference because he cannot make an appearance in person. His schedule would not permit it.

5:25 p.m.

NDP

Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB

Oh! We did not know.

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Michael Chong

Okay?

5:25 p.m.

NDP

Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB

Yes, that's fine.

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Michael Chong

Is there further debate on this motion?

Seeing none, I'll call the question.

(Motion agreed to)

Thank you very much.

Without further ado, this meeting is adjourned.