Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I thank you all for being here.
This is a problem that concerns me. I am a lawyer in Quebec and I studied at Laval University. Our attention has been drawn to the matter of the appointment of bilingual judges to the Supreme Court. We are discussing the matter and following the situation closely.
I also sit with Mr. Godin and Mr. D'Amours on the Official Languages Committee where these problems are discussed every day. Mr. Doucet has long experience with our committee; I have already questioned him several times. Mr. Michaud, this is the first time I see you. Ms. Aucoin, this is not the first time that I meet with you.
My comments are addressed to Ms. Aucoin and Mr. Michaud. You read the bill. It is very brief, consisting of only about three lines. The new subsection 5(2) concludes as follows: "who understands French and English without the assistance of an interpreter". Are we talking about oral expression, oral comprehension or written comprehension? Given that they are judges, they receive written procedures, pleas and briefs. They have the right to hear witnesses, as well as the lawyers who come before them. After having read this bill, do you think that it has to do with oral comprehension or written comprehension?
How would you describe this degree of bilingualism? This is the first time that something like this has appeared in this kind of legislation. I am affected by this, as are my colleagues. This is a very important matter for us.