Evidence of meeting #40 for Official Languages in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was amendment.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
I would ask you to present your amendment in writing, Mr. Nadeau.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
Mr. Nadeau, would you please explain your amendment? Then we can go directly to the vote, if committee members wish.
Bloc
Richard Nadeau Bloc Gatineau, QC
Mr. Chair, this amendment stems from the fact that our committee's primary task is to examine how the federal government works or at least signs agreements with the various provincial and territorial partners in order to provide funding for education in French, as either a first language or second language, in the provinces and territories. We need to have a very clear understanding of the various mechanisms involved. In fact, I need to include the words “provinces and territories” in the amendment.
If we decide to expand on this at some point, we can, but I do think that this should be the priority for the Standing Committee on Official Languages.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
I believe your amendment is in order. It is up to members of the committee to judge its relevance and assess its impact on the main motion, or determine if it deals with an entirely different subject. I will reread it.
Following the words “[...] explain why [...]”, would be replaced with “[...] explain the nature of federal-provincial|-territorial financial agreements on French language instruction (French as a first language and French as a second language).”
If members are ready, I will put the amendment to a vote.
NDP
Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB
Point of order. I believe the amendment is not in order because it is contrary to the main motion. The main motion dealt with the elimination of French language instruction, and now we are talking about a review of programs throughout the country. The amendment is contrary to the motion.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
As I was explaining, I believe that it does deal with instruction, but I would prefer that members of the committee express their opinions.
(Amendment negatived)
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
We will vote on the main motion.
(Motion agreed to unanimously)
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
We will now suspend the meeting for a few minutes. We will then sit in camera to adopt the report.
[The committee continued in camera.]