Official Languages Committee on April 22nd, 2010

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

Yes, but if we took into account everything that people ask us to do...

[Marie-France Kenny]

That is exactly what I am saying.

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

—it would probably cost hundreds of thousands of dollars more per year. You know what I mean.

[Marie-France Kenny]

Absolutely.

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

If the money is already on the table... Following a question by Ms. Boucher on some programs or on the Roadmap, you congratulated us. I think the Roadmap was an essential aspect, that you had specifically requested. We listened to you, and it was implemented. Now, what can we do to improve it?

[Marie-France Kenny]

Exactly, and we have to do that together.

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

I totally agree, and I don't think it would be a problem. I think that Ms. Glover and the minister share my opinion.

I imagine that you often refer to the Roadmap on the Web site. This question is for both parties: have you referred to it lately? I haven't checked, but I'm told that it has been improved. Have you noticed a difference lately? Have there been any improvements to the design of the Web site? If so, do you think that this improvement is worthwhile and useful?

[Marie-France Kenny]

We carried out consultations in preparing for today's presentation, and we have no other information than that which we have just given you. There may have been an improvement, but that's not what we're looking for. That's why we're here this morning. When we speak of transparency, I'm not saying that the government does not want to be transparent. That's not what we're saying. We're just saying, put all of the information on the Web site. Work with us. Let's work together so that we can more efficiently use the money you give us. That's all, that's our message.

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

May I ask one last question?

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Go ahead.

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

Do you have a problem with the departments constantly referring you to Heritage Canada, claiming that this department is responsible for bilingualism? You seem to already have an answer.

[Marie-France Kenny]

I do have a problem with it. Official languages is everybody's business, all departments, all crown corporations, not just Heritage Canada.

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

My question is whether you find it normal that the departments automatically refer you to Heritage Canada?

[Marie-France Kenny]

Not at all.

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

Perhaps they don't fully understand that official languages are also important for their department.

[Marie-France Kenny]

The Official Languages Act has been in place for 41 years now and it's been the business of all of government since the very beginning. If people still don't understand that official languages is everybody's business in government, perhaps it is time that some governance entity remind them of this.

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

I'll be 48 years old tomorrow and I still haven't understood everything there is to know in life.

[Marie-France Kenny]

As long as there isn't a government entity that will say, here is how the Canadian government works with regard to official languages, the problem will persist. It all comes down to governance—

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

That answers my questions, thank you.

[Suzanne Bossé]

—and communication.

[Marie-France Kenny]

—and communication.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. Généreux.

Before turning the floor over to Mr. Nadeau, I would like to raise a housekeeping issue. At our last meeting, I wanted to have our steering committee report approved, but I neglected to do so. There's nothing really new in it, but it has to be approved by the members of the committee. If you agree, could we adopt the steering committee report which has just been circulated. You can consult it, each party was present. Do I have your unanimous consent to have the steering committee report approved?

(Motion agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings]).

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Very well, thank you very much. Among other things, this will allow Isabelle, our clerk, to summon witnesses.

One more thing. We need to approve the $39,700 budget for our study on immigration as a community development tool. This will allow Isabelle to proceed. Do I have the unanimous consent of the members?

(Motion agreed to)

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Thank you very much, you are wonderful, it's done.

Now, before coming back to Mr. Nadeau, I would like to advise you that you are going to receive an invitation. Next Thursday, we will be hosting three Finnish journalists, who have managed to get through the ash cloud—

[Richard Nadeau, Bloc, Gatineau, QC]

—and Canada's immigration system.