Evidence of meeting #16 for Official Languages in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was languages.
A recording is available from Parliament.
10:45 a.m.
Liberal
Jean-Claude D'Amours Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB
Mr. Chairman, I would just like to make a comment.
In other committees we have already held this type of meeting simultaneously. Each group made its presentation and the questions were put to the individuals concerned. Sometimes, more questions are put to some groups than to others, but there is very little time. So, if we have them all here for the two-hour stretch, we may ask questions of whomever we choose.
10:45 a.m.
Bloc
Monique Guay Bloc Rivière-du-Nord, QC
We can have them for a two-hour meeting, on multimedia, at the same time as the witnesses—
10:45 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
Could you check?
In the case of Vancouver, there is a three-hour time difference. If it is 10:30 here what time would it be in Vancouver?
10:45 a.m.
An hon. member
Seven-thirty.
10:45 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
There are three witnesses, including Mr. Owen from UBC. Would you like to have him with the others?
10:45 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
We will do that then, and if that does not suit him he will have his own time slot.
Mr. Petit.
10:45 a.m.
Conservative
Daniel Petit Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
Regarding the study on francization or linguistic duality in the Canadian Forces, a report was tabled by the ombudsman. Last time around, we were stymied precisely because we had no supporting documents.
I would like the researcher to get the report and all the textbooks given to military personnel in Borden studying trades. Members of the committee could then peruse them.
You probably know that Saint-Jean has reopened. I would like us to obtain all the documents distributed there to the non-commissioned officers for teaching French, so that we could have a complete overview of the issue. The last time we looked at the issue at Borden, we extended our study to include Saint-Jean. For Borden, the documents were not available.
Last time around, four members of the forces complained that they did not have access to French textbooks to learn their trades, specifically mechanics. It would be important to have these documents before we hear from witnesses.
10:45 a.m.
Conservative
10:45 a.m.
Conservative
Daniel Petit Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
That is what we will be discussing. Some francophone military personnel in Borden to learn a trade complained that, during their training, there were not enough textbooks in French.
The ombudsman at the time said the issue would be dealt with, one way or another. I think we have to base what we do on what he said last time he appeared before the committee. We have not met with him since, and it would be important to have all of that available, so that we may ask relevant questions. Otherwise the issue will not be clear to us.
10:45 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
Our analyst has taken note of your question. We will check with the armed forces. If there is anything at all, we will let you know.
Mr. Godin.
10:45 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
Indeed. It was on the Official Languages Program Transformation Model at National Defence.
Thank you very much.
This meeting is adjourned.
