I have a point of order.
Evidence of meeting #1 for Finance in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was chair.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #1 for Finance in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was chair.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Wayne Easter
Okay. I'm not sure whether Mr. Ste-Marie was on a point of order or not. I'm taking the point of orders in order.
Conservative
Pierre Poilievre Conservative Carleton, ON
Mr. Chair, I have some terrific news. I do have the French version here and I understand the clerk's office is sharing it with everyone. I gather that will make all members extremely happy. I am happy to read it.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Wayne Easter
Mr. Poilievre, I'm going to Mr. Ste-Marie first, because he was up first, then Mr. Fragiskatos and then Mr. Gerretsen and then you.
Conservative
Conservative
Bloc
Gabriel Ste-Marie Bloc Joliette, QC
Mr. Chair, I would like to thank the folks from interpretation services. They are doing an extraordinary job.
With respect to what Mr. Poilievre just added, I would also like to remind everyone that Madam Clerk emailed us the amendment in both official languages. So we all have it. In my opinion, we don't need to read it out in French again, given that we have an official version in both languages.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Wayne Easter
I have a whole bunch of points of order here. Next was Mr. Fragiskatos. I think Mr. Poilievre has made his point. Mr. Fragiskatos is first and then Mr. Julian.
Liberal
Peter Fragiskatos Liberal London North Centre, ON
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I meant what I said earlier about Mr. Kelly. I do remember when he served on the committee as a member. I remember pre-budget deliberations that were carried out a couple of years ago. I travelled with him. I do have respect for him. I will overlook the fact that he mispronounced my last name and I hope his Greek constituents would extend the same courtesy.
Liberal
Peter Fragiskatos Liberal London North Centre, ON
I'll leave that aside. Much more important is the fact that this committee ought to embrace bilingualism.
Liberal
Peter Fragiskatos Liberal London North Centre, ON
Mr. Kelly, running around and making technical arguments about what the interpreter said doesn't suffice. It's surprising to me that the Conservatives have not—
Liberal
Peter Fragiskatos Liberal London North Centre, ON
—forwarded the French text with the amendment in English.
NDP
Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
If the Liberals are saying that an English-speaking member must read his motion in French and French-speaking members must read theirs in English, we are setting a very disturbing precedent. That's not what the principle of bilingualism is about.
The principle of bilingualism is about having interpretation and distributing written materials so that everyone understands. I am very concerned to see Liberal members insisting that members are required to speak in the language that is not their own. That's not what the principle of bilingualism is about.
I really hope they will stop making this kind of argument. It is extremely disturbing.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Wayne Easter
We are back on the amendment. The discussion is on the amendment and we will eventually get to a vote on the amendment.
The only list I have is on the original motion. Is there anyone to speak on the amendment?
Liberal
