Evidence of meeting #90 for Canadian Heritage in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was arts.
A recording is available from Parliament.
10 a.m.
Bloc
Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC
I am tabling a motion, Madam Chair. So I imagine you will open the discussion on that.
10 a.m.
Bloc
Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC
No, I tabled a notice of motion on May 30, and I'm moving it officially now.
10 a.m.
Bloc
Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC
As soon as we've set our agenda for the fall, I'd like the committee to undertake a study of at least six meetings to address the issue of education and book censorship. We've seen this in Quebec, too, Madam Chair. Comics have been pulled from the shelves because people found them offensive. There's a whole debate to be had on this and many things to clarify, and I think it's our committee's mandate to address that.
I'm open to questions and comments.
10 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Thank you.
Now we'll go to Peter Julian for two and a half minutes, for the New Democrats.
10 a.m.
Bloc
Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC
With all due respect, Madam Chair, aren't we supposed to be discussing the motion?
It's not a notice of motion; it's the motion I am proposing.
10 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
You're giving us notice that you're going to do this, so we cannot discuss it yet.
Thank you.
I'm going to Peter Julian for two and a half minutes.
I'm sorry. Go ahead, Rachael.
10 a.m.
Conservative
Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB
If I may give further clarification, I think what Mr. Champoux is saying—not to speak for him—is that the motion was already tabled in the spring, and now he's wishing to move it.
Is that correct?
10 a.m.
Bloc
Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC
I'm told that this isn't possible when we're not discussing committee business, Madam Chair.
10 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
I'll read the motion:
That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of six (6) meetings regarding the protection of freedom of expression and the means the Government should have at its disposal to ensure its exercise.
Go ahead, Peter.
10 a.m.
NDP
Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
Madam Chair, I don't think Mr. Champoux meant to be rude. That's not his style.
I had some questions for the witnesses, so I'd like to ask for unanimous consent to have the floor for two and a half minutes. Then, if Mr. Champoux would like, we could start discussing his motion.
10 a.m.
Liberal
10 a.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
10 a.m.
NDP
Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
The issue that we haven't gone into any detail on is indigenous languages.
We have over 60 indigenous languages in this country. Some of them are, quite frankly, on the verge of extinction. We need to be taking initiatives to ensure that each one of those languages is enhanced and that the new generation of indigenous kids can learn the languages that were often simply beaten out of them, tragically, in residential schools.
You touched on that, Mr. Aldag, in your introduction. How do we ensure that indigenous languages, through the means of the visual artist laureate, are promoted and preserved right across this country?
I ask both you and the senator.
10:05 a.m.
Member of Parliament, As an Individual
I'll be brief, because I'd love to hear the senator's comments on this.
The languages in their pure form would not necessarily be supported by this position. I think, however, that the art forms of indigenous peoples in Canada would be. As languages are very vulnerable, so are art forms. We know the indigenous communities across Canada have amazing forms of art. I think of Inuit art and some of the art forms that have come from first nations and Métis, who have their own cultural traditions. This would help preserve those very distinct art forms among the indigenous peoples who have lived in Canada since the beginning of time.
I see languages as being somewhat separate, but the importance would be through the ongoing support for art forms.
I welcome our senator's comments on this, as well.
10:05 a.m.
Former Senator, As an Individual
Thank you. I'll be quick.
I agree with what Mr. Aldag said. Indigenous visual art forms across this country are diverse. They're rich and amazing, and I am very hopeful that indigenous artists will come forward to become our visual artist laureate. I work very closely with them.
Mr. Julian, if I may, one of the things I'm working on now is against the international fraud rings that are now harming Canada's indigenous artists significantly.
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Thank you, Senator.
Now we will go to the motion on the floor. The clerk has sent it off to you. If you check your emails, you will see it. However, as chair, I will read it:
That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of six (6) meetings regarding the protection of freedom of expression and the means the Government should have at its disposal to ensure its exercise.
Mr. Champoux.
10:05 a.m.
Bloc
Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC
Congratulations on your French, Madam Chair.
I'd like to apologize to the committee. As my colleague Mr. Julian said, I didn't mean to be rude by taking up the committee's time to move the motion. I moved this motion on March 30, 2023, at a time when the concept of freedom of expression was being challenged. I explained this earlier during the question period.
I think everyone understands the principle of the motion and the intent behind it. So I'll let my colleagues ask questions, if they have any.