Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
First off, I'd like to congratulate you on your election to the Chair. Congratulations also to Mr. Proulx and to Mr. Michel Guimond.
Quite frankly, it's a shame that the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, which sets the tone for other House committees, finds itself having to discuss this matter yet again. It's a shame that MP Scott Reid, who has served on the Official Languages Committee, continues to argue the same point. It's almost as if minority or official languages carry too hefty a price tag for Canada.
I'm happy to see that the Conservatives do not have the required majority to pass a rule like this this morning. That isn't going to happen, because you do not respect our country's official languages. My colleagues' comments were very clear. Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, I'm entitled to receive documents in my language, and at the same time as other members receive them. The Official Languages Act is clear on that score. As Ms. Jennings said, I have the right to hear testimony from witnesses in my preferred language. That is the law in Canada.
It's insulting to have to argue this point each time testimony is given before a committee. I look forward to the day when both of our country's official languages are treated with due respect and the question no longer comes up for discussion, Mr. Chairman. I think I've said enough on the subject. It's a personal affront to have to defend legislation passed years ago by Parliament.
As an MP, I want to receive documents at the same time as members seated opposite. I want the same advantages that they have. I look forward to the day when we stop debating this question. I'd like my colleague to think twice and stop talking about this. He needs to show us some respect, once and for all.