Official Languages Committee on May 6th, 2008

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

I would add this preliminary step because I would not want to spend one or two hours on this issue.

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

Mr. Chair, I am prepared to support what Mr. Rodriguez has just said. However, I would spend two hours to ensure that a francophone community can make full use of the only francophone station in Victoria.

It is important for a francophone community outside Quebec to have us deal with this issue, because it is the only francophone station in Victoria.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

If you agree to proceed as proposed, I would ask you to provide me with information so that the letter can be drafted.

Mr. Rodriguez, have you finished?

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

I want to tell Mr. Godin that the vitality of the francophone community in British Columbia is as important to me. He is well aware of this. However, in my opinion, this is a very useful step.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Our hearing is public and this will be recorded in the minutes, Mr. Rodriguez, have no fear.

Mr. Coderre.

[Denis Coderre, Liberal, Bourassa, QC]

I saw that curve coming, to use a popular expression by my friend Mr. Godin. When Pablo said that he did not want to spend two hours on this issue, that had nothing to do with... We all believe in the importance of francophone communities throughout the country. For practical reasons, we are simply trying to obtain answers first in order to then hit harder. I don't want to start a debate. Furthermore, Pablo has said that this matter is just as important than any other, but there are things we can do first. So, we are all saying the same thing. Since this meeting is public, I wanted this to be on the record.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Duly noted, Mr. Coderre.

Any other comments?

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

Mr. Chair, with regard to the little curve ball from Mr. Coderre that I know so well, Pablo is capable of defending himself. I agree to first sending a letter. It is simply that the comment regarding the fact that he would not spend two hours discussing this matter had an impact on me as francophone from a region of Canada that is not mostly francophone. We agree on that note and we will watch out for our communities.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Mr. Godin, for procedural purposes, your motion would ask the chair to inquire with the CRTC regarding the situation concerning the two radio stations and the granting of a licence that seems to have caused interference. Do you agree with this wording? We are writing a letter to the CRTC.

Mr. Lebel.

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

The motion should also mention that the letter be approved by the committee.

[Denis Lebel, Conservative, Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Chair, it is not a language issue, it is a broadcasting issue. Broadcasting is interfering with language. So, we need to ensure that we speak the right language to ensure proper broadcasting. Make sure that the answer refers to broadcasting, because it is a broadcasting issue. It is very important to respect language.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Do you have a comment, Mr. Nadeau?

If there are no other comments, we will adjourn the meeting until next Thursday.

I forgot Mr. Petit. He wants to ask a question.

[Daniel Petit, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

I suggested that we invite a witness for Thursday, May 8th, but I have been told that he is not available. I want to tell you why I am extremely disappointed. That witness is a federal public servant. Mr. Godin and I have already questioned him. Mr. Godin came to the Standing Committee on Justice to replace Mr. Comartin, his colleague, and had the opportunity to see what needs to be done in order to obtain access to justice of both official languages.

It is not just a matter of ensuring that judges are bilingual: it is essential that appearances and evidences also be translated into English and French. We are talking here about respecting the fundamental right of an individual who is called before the court. Mr. Godin and I had questioned that public servant with regard to Bill C-23, I believe. I gathered up all that testimony and I was expecting this witness to be here. Access to justice does not just mean a bilingual judge. For someone from New Brunswick or Quebec who belongs to the linguistic minority, it is about ensuring the simultaneous translation of procedure and evidence into that person's mother tongue so that he or she is able to defend themselves.

Witnesses who will be there will not be able answer questions about this, I am telling you. That is why I am somewhat disappointed. Next Thursday, we might end-up going in circles, not getting to the bottom of the problem and not being able to suggest appropriate measures to the government concerning individuals who must have access to justice. It is not about money. It is also about language. I do not understand why this witness, whose name I mentioned three weeks or even two months ago, cannot appear before us. I do not think that is right.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Mr. Petit, I will simply tell you that the witnesses are called depending on their availability. We will still be hearing from the Commissioner of Official Languages and Ms. Aucoin, from the Fédération des associations de juristes d’expression française, as well as from Mr. Doucet. Those three witnesses will surely take up the two hours we have available on Thursday. If the committee feels it is necessary to call other witnesses, it will do so.

Thank you for your cooperation and we will see you on Thursday.

The meeting is adjourned.