Based on my understanding of the situation — it might perhaps be a good idea to have that checked by a legal expert or by the Speaker of the House's Office — the spirit of this distinction regarding the mandate stems from the fact that the Standing Committee on Official Languages is not linked to a specific department. The fact that it is not linked to a specific department does not mean that an issue affecting official languages cannot be dealt with; it means that we do not automatically have to consider specific departmental programs. For example, we are not required to examine a department's financial statements, etc. The committee is nevertheless free to consider issues that affect official languages programs directly or indirectly.
On October 17th, 2006. See this statement in context.