Evidence of meeting #52 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 commissioner.
A recording is available from Parliament.
9:50 a.m.
Conservative
Pierre Lemieux Conservative Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON
We need at least two separate meetings, instead of one.
9:50 a.m.
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
I never said that this was just one meeting. The motion says: “[...] invite the Commissioner of Official Languages—
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Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
—and the Honourable [...]". That doesn't mean that they are to be together at the same time. That means first one, and then the other. I have no objection in having them appear at two separate meetings. That's what I had in mind myself.
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Conservative
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Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
I never thought that we would ask them questions at the same time.
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Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Exactly, Mr. Chairman, it says "at a later date" in English.
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Liberal
Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC
Let's set aside the motion for a brief moment. It is crucial that the Commissioner appear immediately after he has tabled his report. This is a tradition. The most important aspect pertains to his views on what has been done and what needs to be improved. This is just as important as hearing from the minister immediately afterwards. We've always done that. This is an examination of her department in order to see how things are done, how things could be improved, etc.
In that context, we can discuss this issue. After all, the report on the main estimates is not the subject of lengthy discussion. I want to make sure that, soon after the report is tabled, we invite Mr. Fraser and then Ms. Verner. Then we can ask them some questions.
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Conservative
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Conservative
Sylvie Boucher Conservative Beauport—Limoilou, QC
I'm trying to think of one. Could we come back to your motion later so that we could suggest an amendment?
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Liberal
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Liberal
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Conservative
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Conservative
9:55 a.m.
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Our researcher has just read a motion in French that I accept. I have no problem with it.
May 1st, 2007 / 9:55 a.m.
Committee Researcher
Fine.
In accordance with Standing Order 108(1), that the Standing Committee on Official Languages invite, as soon as possible, the Commissioner of Official Languages, Mr. Graham Fraser, followed by the Hon. Josée Verner, Minister responsible for the La Francophonie and Official Languages, to appear before the Standing Committee on Official Languages to discuss their results and respective priorities.
9:55 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Guy Lauzon
Is there any further discussion? Do all committee members agree with the motion?
(The motion was adopted.)
Mr. Malo has another motion.
Would you read it, Mr. Malo?
9:55 a.m.
Bloc
Luc Malo Bloc Verchères—Les Patriotes, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
That the House of Commons Standing Committee on Official Languages summon the representatives of Hockey Canada and Sport Canada to appear before the Committee to explain their decision to name Shane Doan captain of Team Canada at the World Championships, given that he faces serious allegations of making racist comments to French-speaking officials.
Mr. Chairman, although I do not want to presume anything, this motion should not be the subject of much discussion, since it is straightforward. The wording states very clearly what I would like to say.
Thank you.
