Evidence of meeting #38 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 official.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
With the consent of my colleagues, I would like to move the following motion: That pursuant to Standing Order 108(1), the Standing Committee on Official Languages invite: (1) the Minister responsible for Official Languages, (2) the Minister of National Defence, (3) the Commissioner of Official Languages, and (4) other witnesses suggested by the Committee, to appear before the Committee as soon as possible to explain the new measure on Official Language policy for senior military officials of National Defence and, that pursuant to the Standing Orders, our report be immediately prepared and tabled in Parliament.
Conservative
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Then I would add: and other witnesses suggested by the committee.
Conservative
Luc Harvey Conservative Louis-Hébert, QC
The problem is with the Canadian Forces, and not official languages. I would prefer to have Mr. O'Connor, the Minister of National Defence, appear first at least to explain—
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
I asked for the minister responsible for official languages.
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
I don't know what comes first, the cart or the horse. Clearly, I don't know, but at any rate, I think that they will come very shortly. It seems to me that the minister responsible for official languages must first share her message, with the consent of the Minister of Defence.
Conservative
Luc Harvey Conservative Louis-Hébert, QC
Except that the request was made by the Department of Defence and that the problem is at the Department of Defence. If there is a lack of understanding of what is happening—
It would be best if they both came at the same time.
Conservative
Sylvie Boucher Conservative Beauport—Limoilou, QC
Yes, if they can come at the same time, we will accept that. That is what we are saying.
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
That is how my motion reads. We can discuss the details later.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Guy Lauzon
About three meetings are taking place at the same time. I am trying to deal with this motion. Do you all have motions?
Do we have a seconder for Ms. Folco's motion?
Seconded by Mr. Godin.
(Motion agreed to)
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Guy Lauzon
The public sitting has been suspended.
[Proceedings continue in camera]