Evidence of meeting #25 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 amendment.
A video is available from Parliament.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ken McDonald
Mr. Battiste has his hand up, as well. Maybe you can answer both concerns together, please.
Liberal
Jaime Battiste Liberal Sydney—Victoria, NS
Based on those points raised by the clerk, I'll be voting against.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ken McDonald
Okay. I thought you had a different intervention.
Madame Gill, please, perhaps you would like to respond.
Bloc
Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC
The idea behind it is that, as a lawmaker and a parliamentarian, I want to have the text in both official languages so that I can consider the subject in an informed way. That's the first thing: I can consider that, as a parliamentarian, I have the right to receive the text in my own language. Of course, there are some nuances. When it's a matter of one or two words to be translated, it goes very quickly. However, I seem to recall some instances where the text of motions or amendments was very long.
I recognize that the interpreters have a job to do, and they have to work very quickly. They are efficient and I thank them for that. However, there are situations that most people on committees do not usually experience. For example, committee business can have already moved on while I am still listening to the interpretation. This causes a lag for me. It also affects the interpretation; we need to think about the interpreters as well.
Because I have to follow the words as they are being interpreted, I need to listen, understand, and think at the same time. That's why I would like to have the translated text right then. I don't necessarily want to have it in advance, but I want to get it so that I can make informed choices.
I mentioned nuances. We can make a distinction between words, paragraphs and pages. Earlier, I gave the example of my colleague Mr. Williamson. He made a lot of amendments at one point. That represents a lot of work for me and certainly for the interpreters—I want to think of them too. In that situation, I can't be as efficient as you can because it's in your mother tongue.
That's really my concern. My goal is not to make it so we can no longer introduce amendments on the floor. I don't want to delay the meeting, I want all parliamentarians to have the same rights. Imagine if the situation were reversed: if the meeting were held in French and the majority of the amendments were also presented in French and I was the only one who could understand, apart from Mr. Cormier, who is sometimes here, and Mr. Williamson, who speaks a little French. You would want to have the substantive motions and amendments in your mother tongue. You will understand that this is more difficult for me—although I do speak some English—because it would be difficult for you as well.
I am simply aiming to strike a balance and achieve fairness as much as possible. Again, the goal is not to burden the committee, but simply to facilitate informed decision-making during the course of its work.
NDP
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
I support Madam Gill. In fairness, especially on these substantive, longer motions, we should ensure that it is interpreted so that it's in both official languages.
Conservative
John Williamson Conservative New Brunswick Southwest, NB
I agree wholeheartedly with Mrs. Gill.
I thought it was already established that, when a member proposes amendments, they are translated for the other committee members.
So I totally agree that this needs to be done. I will vote in favour of Mrs. Gill's motion.
Liberal
Ken Hardie Liberal Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC
With respect, Mr. Williamson, that would have then made your amendments, or at least the amendments that Mr. Bragdon had to Bobby Morrissey's motion, very long, very time-consuming and impossible to do in a session. Think twice about that vote.
Bloc
Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC
Actually, it might not have been impossible to introduce the motion during the meeting. In my opinion, members have a responsibility to have motions translated before they are presented to their colleagues.
I believe that Mr. Bragdon did his job conscientiously and thought through his motion before he introduced it. He could very well have had it translated without putting a heavier burden on the committee.
Once again, I'd like us to vote in favour of Mr. Bragdon's motion. However, I consider it a matter of basic respect, not only for my work as a parliamentarian, but also for the French language, that I be given the means and tools necessary to think and speak in an informed manner on behalf of my constituents.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ken McDonald
Thank you, Madame Gill.
Seeing no further intervention, I will ask the clerk to do a recorded vote. Keep in mind the concerns of all members of the committee on this particular issue. Thank you.
(Motion negatived: nays 8; yeas 3)
Mr. Hardie, you're next on my list.
Liberal
Ken Hardie Liberal Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC
I'm honoured. Thank you.
Mr. Chair, in light of the recent Pacific salmon investments in the 2021 budget, I'd like to move that the committee allocate no fewer than three two-hour meetings to hear testimony and recommendations from experts on how best to allocate this money for Pacific salmon restoration.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ken McDonald
We've heard the motion.
I will check, Madam Gill, did you hear the substance of the motion translation?
Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC
I heard the interpreter, but I don't have the motion in writing. My motion was defeated.
However, Mr. Chair, I would like to remind—
Conservative
Blaine Calkins Conservative Red Deer—Lacombe, AB
On a point of order, Chair, I'm not getting interpretation.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ken McDonald
We are in committee business, so I will ask Mr. Hardie to repeat it slowly, please.
Madame Gill.
Bloc
Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC
I had previously put forward a housekeeping motion that overlapped with part of the motion that was just defeated, that is, that the text of a motion must be presented in both official languages. The motion has therefore already been adopted.
Can Ms. Vohl check that? If it is the case, I should receive the motion in French as well.
Legislative Clerk
Actually, Mrs. Gill, I too was looking for the French version of the motion. I don't recall any notice being given on this motion.
I may be wrong, because I'm now also working on another committee.