I want to talk about when I read the letter from the deputy minister, Mr. Tremblay. I know I have a certain temperament, so I realize I can be a bit hotheaded. Nevertheless, I want to say calmly how dismayed and disappointed I was when I read the letter, which suggests that it's more acceptable to speak only English than to speak only French in Canada. Basically, the deputy minister seems to be saying that French speakers should be able to read English because that is the language spoken by the majority. Francophones can figure it out. It's no big deal if the metaphors and such go over their heads.
It's time to stop treating us like second-class citizens.
Has there ever been a time when documents weren't translated into English, when English speakers didn't receive materials at the same time as their French-speaking counterparts or when they received fewer documents than their French-speaking colleagues because of a decision to make concessions on the English translation? I'd be curious to know the answer to that, because as far as I recall, that's never happened in Parliament.
I can see some of my fellow members are paying attention, but I can also see others who are on their phones or computers. Their actions merely prove my point. Some unparliamentary language comes to mind, but I will refrain from using it.
I take the time to read every single document. I even have to read documents in both official languages because sometimes the French versions are more redacted than the English ones, or because the French translation is frankly pitiful. Do you have any idea how much work that is? I do it because I care about making sure that taxpayer money is spent well, that it's not squandered. If, at the end of the study, all that effort helps me come to the conclusion that public funds were not squandered, I'm pleased and satisfied with the work I've done.
However, I want you to understand what it means for a francophone to have to do double the work because something was only partly translated or not translated at all. It's an insult. It's unacceptable. It's the ultimate slap in the face. This needs to be written in the report, and that report needs to go to the House. Enough is enough.
Quebec isn't the only place with francophones. They live all over the country, and each and every one of them is entitled to respect. These documents may not necessarily be in the public domain, but even when they are, the same problems arise. I'm not even talking about the grammar or syntax errors. I'm talking about glaring errors and incomplete documents. Enough is enough.
Here's what I think of a letter like that, and I'm going to say it in English so it's perfectly clear.
It's a piece of crap.
Sorry, I know it's unparliamentary language, but that's exactly what it is. It has to be said.
Thank you.