Evidence of meeting #57 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.
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
No, but the Chairman said that we would invite Ms. Oda, not Ms. Verner. I simply wanted to correct that, because that wasn't what Ms. Boucher said.
Conservative
Michael Chong Conservative Wellington—Halton Hills, ON
There's no reason to hear from Ms. Oda, since Ms. Verner is responsible for that commitment.
Under the act the Minister of Canadian Heritage has responsibility, but when Madame Verner and Mr. Emerson became ministers the government signed a letter delegating the authority from the Minister of Canadian Heritage to Minister Emerson for the Olympics, which falls under Heritage, and to Minister Verner for Official Languages and the coordination thereof, which also falls under Heritage.
Practically speaking, Minister Oda has no say in what goes on in Official Languages, so there's absolutely no reason to have her appear in front of the committee. She has delegated that authority to Minister Verner.
The same goes for sport. She has delegated that authority. She doesn't get involved or say anything about it, so there's no reason to have her in front of committee. She's not going to be able to answer any of your questions. That's why we are proposing the amendment.
NDP
Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB
Mr. Chairman, I don't think that the fact that she and her government delegated another person releases her from her responsibility under the act. I want the motion to remain as it is. I want us to invite her and to move forward, because we have to see what we're going to do with the witnesses. It's coming fast. For the moment, I don't approve the witness list.
Conservative
Conservative
Luc Harvey Conservative Louis-Hébert, QC
Minister Verner came here before the committee to explain to us that she had full and complete responsibility for official languages. Furthermore, the Commissioner of Official Languages indicated the same thing in his report, stating that Minister Verner was fully and completely responsible for official languages. I'm objectively trying to understand why we're trying to have Ms. Oda appear. I have nothing against that, but once again I'm trying to understand the thinking of my opposition colleagues.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
No one else wishes to speak.
Is the committee ready to make a decision on the amendment moved by Ms. Boucher?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
The amendment would read as introduced by Ms. Folco, except that we would delete Ms. Oda's name.
(Amendment negatived)
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
Is the committee ready to vote on the motion introduced by Ms. Folco? Do you want me to read it? No, that's fine.
(Motion agreed to)
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
The next item on the committee's business agenda is the witness list that was distributed to you. I am ready to hear comments on the witness list that was distributed to you.
Mr. Godin, go ahead, please.
NDP
Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB
Mr. Chairman, I had entered the names of witnesses. I don't know who selected the witnesses or how that was done, but the name of a person like Michel Doucet does not appear on it.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
To simplify matters, I would invite committee members to make clear recommendations and to identify the key witnesses.
NDP
Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB
Why do the names of certain persons, like Michel Doucet and Pierre Foucher, not appear on the list?
Conservative
NDP
Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB
There was also the president of the Société des Acadiens et Acadiennes du Nouveau-Brunswick. I had indicated the name of the director. I don't know whether the president has refused to come, I don't know, but there was the president, Marie-Pierre Simard.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
As you know, there were approximately 40 witnesses. We tried to keep them. As to whether it's the president or the executive director, we can inquire with the clerk of the committee or after the meeting. We can provide clarification as necessary.
I'm taking note of your questions concerning Michel Doucet and the director or president. I could clarify—
NDP
