Official Languages Committee on May 31st, 2007

[Richard Nadeau, Bloc, Gatineau, QC]

That's right.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

So, if I understand correctly, you are moving two friendly amendments.

[Raymond Simard, Liberal, Saint Boniface, MB]

That is correct.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

I would remind committee members that the motion already passed does provide that we would invite Minister Josée Verner to appear before us. If the mover of the motion agrees, we will add the Minister Josée Verner—

[Raymond Simard, Liberal, Saint Boniface, MB]

—as soon as possible.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

—when the Commissioner appears before us. You are also moving—

[Raymond Simard, Liberal, Saint Boniface, MB]

—that we not limit the Radio-Canada witnesses to the Atlantic region, but to include those from other regions as well.

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

You are talking about Radio-Canada outside Quebec, in the regions?

[Raymond Simard, Liberal, Saint Boniface, MB]

In the regions.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Does the mover of the motion agree with these amendments?

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

Since we are talking about amendments, Mr. Chairman—

[Raymond Simard, Liberal, Saint Boniface, MB]

Yes.

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

I want to make sure that next Tuesday we will have a meeting on the Court Challenges Program.

[Raymond Simard, Liberal, Saint Boniface, MB]

Absolutely.

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

On Thursday, the committee will meet with the commissioner and will continue its work on the Court Challenges Program. It is preferable to have the commissioner appear for two hours.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Thank you.

[Raymonde Folco, Liberal, Laval—Les Îles, QC]

No, the bell marks the beginning of the sitting day in the House.

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

There will be a vote at 10:15 a.m.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

We will continue our discussion. Mr. Nadeau has the floor.

[Richard Nadeau, Bloc, Gatineau, QC]

Mr. Chairman, I agree with my colleague that we should set aside two hours for Mr. Fraser and two hours for the minister immediately afterwards. If they can appear in June, so much the better. I agree with the recommendation regarding Radio-Canada and the issues that were raised.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

I would like to have a clarification. If Mr. Fraser could appear before us next week, would we postpone the court challenges study?

[Richard Nadeau, Bloc, Gatineau, QC]

We are suggesting that there be four meetings on the Court Challenges Program. I have not written down any dates, with the exception of Mr. Fraser's appearance. I think we should hear from him by June 7 at the latest, because, otherwise, in the worst case scenario, the House could prorogue—

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

Parliament could adjourn.

[Richard Nadeau, Bloc, Gatineau, QC]

Exactly. There could be three meetings, one or two before we meet Mr. Fraser, and we could hold four meetings. Read the motion carefully. If other meetings are required, we could hold other meetings. That is what it says.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Okay. So the mover of the motion agrees with the suggested amendments?