Thank you, Madam Chair.
The Constitution provides a number of requirements that the House must follow in determining how to regulate its debates and proceedings.
Relevant to this study is section 48 of the Constitution Act, 1867, which specifies that a quorum of 20 members is required in order to constitute a meeting of the House. Section 48 states that the presence of at least 20 members of the House of Commons shall be necessary to constitute a meeting of the House for the exercise of its powers, and for that purpose the speaker shall be reckoned as a member.
As well, section 133 of the Constitution Act, 1867 and sections 17 and 18 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms mandate that English and French are the official languages of House proceedings and legislation.
Mr. Dufresne will now address these legal and constitutional considerations in more depth.
Both Philippe and I will be pleased to then answer any questions you may have.
Thank you very much.