Evidence of meeting #21 for Official Languages in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was province.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Cyrilda Poirier  Interim Director General, La Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador
Josée Dalton  Coordinator, Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador
Steven Watt  Editor and Director General, Le Gaboteur
Marie-Claude Thibodeau  Director General, Fédération des parents francophones de TNL

11:50 a.m.

Director General, Fédération des parents francophones de TNL

Marie-Claude Thibodeau

You know that in Newfoundland most couples are exogamous. At the outset, we have a lot of work to do on that issue. I do belive in Ms. Finley; this is what is giving me hope.

11:50 a.m.

Conservative

Pierre Lemieux Conservative Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

Indeed, I had an opportunity to talk with Minister Finley last Friday about this committee. We spoke about your visit.

11:50 a.m.

Director General, Fédération des parents francophones de TNL

Marie-Claude Thibodeau

We will be present. Thank you, that is a gift.

11:50 a.m.

Conservative

Pierre Lemieux Conservative Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

All right, that is great.

11:50 a.m.

NDP

The Vice-Chair NDP Yvon Godin

Since Mr. André is not here, I will continue in the same subject.

As far as daycare centres are concerned, how are you going to operate? For example, 30 parents have each received $1,200, and you were going to do some marketing to try to get them to make recommendations as to how to spend their budget and money. Is that your responsibility, first of all?

Secondly, I do not agree with Ms. Finley and the others. Are you not afraid that five conscientious individuals will say to themselves that, since they have been given $1,200 for childcare, that they should use it for this purpose whereas the others will not do this, the result being that only five individuals will have to pay for the others?

11:50 a.m.

Director General, Fédération des parents francophones de TNL

Marie-Claude Thibodeau

My dearest wish is that the $1,200 will be put into the children. However, the best way to do this is to give this money to organizations that look after children.

11:50 a.m.

NDP

The Vice-Chair NDP Yvon Godin

Thank you, Ms. Thibodeau. You answered my question. This is not an issue of common law, it is just common sense.

Since the meeting is now coming to an end, on behalf of the Standing Committee on Official Languages, I would like to thank you sincerely. This meeting marked the start of our tour, which has begun here in the eastern part of the country. It has been very interesting, and I am sure that my colleagues share my opinion.

I would like to thank our translators, who ensure that the proceedings are bilingual and give people the opportunity to hear exchanges in the language of their choice.

I would like to thank our technicians who are travelling with us and who ensure that the meetings run well.

I would like to make a few announcements to committee members. You will have to check out of your rooms at 1:00 p.m. At 1:15, you need to be in the hotel lobby.

November 6th, 2006 / 11:55 a.m.

Samy Agha

With their luggage.

11:55 a.m.

NDP

Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB

Yes, with your luggage, because it appears that our clerk does not want to go and pick up our suitcases!

Lunch will be served in the room next door, and we would like to invite you. There will only be sandwiches, coffee and some drinks. Nevertheless, it would be most interesting to have you join us for lunch. We would therefore be able to continue our discussions informally. We would be very pleased to have your company.

The meeting is adjourned.