Evidence of meeting #43 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was right.
A video is available from Parliament.
1:10 p.m.
Bloc
Monique Pauzé Bloc Repentigny, QC
Maybe in the Senate, there are no francophones as tedious as my assistant and I when it comes to French.
1:10 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
It's not a language issue. Things are not always done the same way in both official languages.
If you don't mind, we'll leave that question alone because it's really beyond the scope of our work.
1:10 p.m.
Bloc
Monique Pauzé Bloc Repentigny, QC
I just wanted to know if these irregularities have any consequences.
1:10 p.m.
Bloc
Monique Pauzé Bloc Repentigny, QC
In terms of readability, it's easier when items are arranged point by point.
1:10 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
I agree with you. This seems to present a contradiction later on.
We need to set aside clause 1, which is the short title of the bill. We will come back to that at the end, as usual.
(Clause 2)
1:10 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
We will continue with clause 2.
Would anyone like to move amendment NDP‑1?
Go ahead, Ms. Collins.
1:10 p.m.
NDP
Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The amendment is that Bill S-5, in clause 2, be amended by replacing line 10 on page 1 with the following:
“ery individual in Canada and future generations have a right to a healthy environ-”
Really, the addition here is “future generations”. We heard from a number of witnesses that giving future generations the right to a healthy environment is important. We heard this from young people and from first nation leaders.
I hope that the committee will support this amendment.
December 9th, 2022 / 1:10 p.m.
Conservative
Gérard Deltell Conservative Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC
Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a comment that has more to do with form than substance. Of course, in legislation, it's all about the words. I don't know if my colleague Ms. Pauzé sees the proposed wording the same way I do:
qu'il reconnaît que tout particulier au Canada de même que les générations futures ont droit à un
To be quite honest, this is the first time I've ever seen the word “particulier” used to refer to human beings. I checked and it's a correct usage, but I feel the word “personne” would be more suitable.
However, I don't mean to question the translators' authority, but I will follow Ms. Pauzé's lead.
1:10 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
Everyone seems to agree on the substance of the amendment, though, right?
1:10 p.m.
Conservative
Gérard Deltell Conservative Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC
Before I say yes, I have to say, no silly pun intended, that I find it “particularly” peculiar that the word “particulier” is used.
1:10 p.m.
Liberal
1:10 p.m.
Bloc
Monique Pauzé Bloc Repentigny, QC
Would it be a friendly amendment if we replaced “tout particulier” with “tout individu”?
1:10 p.m.
Conservative
Gérard Deltell Conservative Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC
From what I've noticed, I believe the word “personne” would apply better.
1:10 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
Please hold on a moment. I'm going to check with the clerk so I can properly brief you on this.
Apparently, when you're dealing with bills, the concept of a friendly amendment doesn't apply. However, you can move a subamendment.
1:10 p.m.
Conservative
Gérard Deltell Conservative Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC
Okay. So I'm going to follow the rules, of course, because I don't want to become too “particular”.
1:10 p.m.
Liberal
1:10 p.m.
Conservative
Gérard Deltell Conservative Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC
As a subamendment, I move that, in the French version, the words “tout particulier” be replaced with the words “toute personne”.
1:10 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
Would anyone like to debate this subamendment?
It seems not. Everyone seems to agree with your subamendment, Mr. Deltell.
1:15 p.m.
Conservative
Gérard Deltell Conservative Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC
That's good, my first subamendment is an all-round success.
1:15 p.m.
Liberal
Leah Taylor Roy Liberal Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON
I'm sorry; are we voting on the subamendment or on the amendment?