Evidence of meeting #1 for Fisheries and Oceans 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.
11:50 a.m.
The Clerk
Mr. Chair, if we were side by side, this is when I would talk to you in your ear, but obviously we're not side by side.
Ms. Gill just moved a motion, and it was adopted that, in order for debates on a motion, the motion would have to be received in the two languages or at least have been explained well enough by interpretation, who I believe also do not have the text.
Would it be possible for Mr. Battiste to either repeat very slowly the text of his motion or send it to us so interpretation can provide it at a pace that Ms. Gill and other members and staff can write down and follow?
The motion by Madam Gill was just adopted, so now it is one of the routine motions of the committee.
11:50 a.m.
Liberal
Jaime Battiste Liberal Sydney—Victoria, NS
Yes, I can send that as well as read it, if need be.
I really would like to hear the words of MP d'Entremont on this as well.
11:50 a.m.
Bloc
Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC
The motion adopted called for a written version of the motion. It isn't the oral version.
Can the French version be provided, please?
Of course, I'll do the same thing when I move my motions.
11:50 a.m.
Conservative
Mel Arnold Conservative North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC
I have a point of order, Mr. Chair.
As I heard the motion, I believe I heard the words that it “should” be provided in both official languages” not “must” be provided in both official languages. Those would mean two different things in legal proceedings. “Should” is not making it mandatory. If that's the wording of the motion it would not be necessary.
11:50 a.m.
Bloc
Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC
I don't understand my colleague's comment.
Are we discussing the motion that was moved, which does not include any conditionals? The word “should” does not appear in either the English or French version. I want to know what will happen in this respect.
11:50 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ken McDonald
I have a copy of your motion, Madame Gill, and there is no “should” or “must” in it. It says “that each member of the committee shall be provided with a written version in both official languages of a motion to study before a vote is held on its adoption.”
It may have been interpreted differently from French to English when it was being read out, but Madame Gill did provide the actual text of the motion, so it "shall" be provided in both official languages before a vote can be held on it.
We've heard the motion but Mr. Battiste, please make sure it is provided to the committee in both official languages before it is voted on.
11:55 a.m.
Conservative
Chris d'Entremont Conservative West Nova, NS
It's such an important issue right now. Things are blowing up. People are going to get hurt. I am only a temporary member of this committee. It would be nice to be able to speak to it but knowing that's now the motion, unfortunately that puts the kibosh on this. It's unfortunate we can't talk about something so important.
11:55 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ken McDonald
That motion was adopted by the committee, unfortunately, on unanimous consent.
Mr. Johns.
11:55 a.m.
NDP
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Would it be possible, in light of the urgency of the situation—we also think it needs to be addressed very quickly by this committee—to push for an emergency meeting of the committee so we can get this motion back on the table and talk about it? Mr. Battiste needs to give notice to all the committee members so we can get this motion on the table to talk about it.
We also want to make amendments to the motion because we certainly think this is a high priority for us. The Nuu-chah-nulth situation is absolutely connected to what's going on with Marshall. We think indigenous fishing rights should be broadened, so we want to have a conversation on this.
11:55 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ken McDonald
Mr. Johns, I appreciate your intervention but as was voted on just a few minutes ago, we cannot discuss or vote on a motion that's not presented in both official languages. Everybody on the committee passed it with unanimous consent. Unfortunately, that's where it stands, so we have to wait to get it in that form.
I agree, this should be dealt with as soon as possible and we'll take every opportunity to try to make sure that happens.
Mr. Morrissey.
11:55 a.m.
Liberal
Bobby Morrissey Liberal Egmont, PE
Mr. Chair, possibly as a point of order, could we ask for unanimous consent to have Mr. Battiste read it slowly for the interpretation, and then be able to move beyond this point because of its urgency? If the committee gives unanimous consent it can overrule earlier decisions.
11:55 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ken McDonald
Do we have unanimous consent for Mr. Battiste to read these motions slowly, so that interpretation can follow along, and everybody can listen in their language of choice?
11:55 a.m.
Bloc
Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC
Personally, I'm opposed, because the motion has already been adopted.
The debate on the motion raised some issues. If we don't fully understand the text being read, we'll make mistakes. For example, the use of “must” or “should” has been an issue in the past. In order to debate and vote on the motion in an informed manner, we need the text in both official languages.
11:55 a.m.
Liberal
11:55 a.m.
The Clerk
May I suggest you contact me? Considering the distance, it's hard for me to be in touch with you, but would it be possible to suspend, and discuss with me, so I can provide you with some advice?
11:55 a.m.
Liberal
12:05 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ken McDonald
We're back.
Madam Gill, could I make a suggestion?
I know that anybody who had motions to introduce today had no way of knowing that this motion would be introduced by you and pass unanimously. I have been told that the interpreters now have a copy of the motion of Mr. Battiste in its translated form. Would it be okay with you to ask the interpreters to read out the motion in French right now, so that it would be on the record and we could then move on to that? We have had several members talk about the importance of getting this started and on the record as soon as possible. They want to speak to it.
Doing this today in no way means that this is what we will do every time. I won't ask again for permission to do this. Everybody can give their notice of motion and put their motion on the record, but it cannot be voted on unless it has been received in both official languages going forward. I'm asking for permission to do this one simply because I see such interventions that will be taking place...and getting this dealt with and on the record as soon as possible.
Would that be okay?
12:05 p.m.
Bloc
Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC
No, because it's tantamount to asking for unanimous consent regarding Mr. Morrissey's proposal, which I took issue with. Of course, we're being told that the situation is urgent. However, a prorogation prevented us from continuing with the committee meetings.
Personally, in order to debate and vote on the motion in an informed manner, I need both the English and French versions. It's unfortunate, but I must keep to this.
There are rules. If we break them, I believe that it shows a lack of rigour and credibility. Since there are two official languages in Canada, I want both versions. It's necessary.
I want to thank you, Mr. Chair, and all the members, for your understanding. I also want to thank the interpreters.
12:05 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ken McDonald
No problem.
Hearing no unanimous consent, I will let members know that they can introduce any motions today, of course, but if they are not in both official languages, we will not be able to vote on them until they are provided in that form.
I understand fully, Madam Gill. I was in no way trying to take away the privileges expected—
12:10 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ken McDonald
Okay. You understand.
Mr. Johns, if it's on the same motion, we can't talk about it.
12:10 p.m.
NDP
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
Mr. Chair, perhaps you can explain this procedurally. If we want to call for an emergency meeting of the fisheries and oceans committee to discuss this motion, so that Ms. Gill and the whole committee will have the motion in both official languages, what would that require right now?