Official Languages Committee on June 10th, 2010

[Shelly Glover, Conservative, Saint Boniface, MB]

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

What interests me, but what also causes me a great deal of concern as far as this motion is concerned, is that we are not talking about all of the good things accomplished by Air Canada employees, even though we know that the company is contravening the Official Languages Act. That worries me somewhat. I am very pleased to hear that Mr. D'Amours has raised the issue. I was not aware that flight attendants had comment cards in their possession, that are ready to be distributed. I thank you, Mr. D'Amours. I was not aware that that existed.

We always give our citizens the opportunity to make comments, whether positive or negative, and we try to be as neutral as possible in carrying out our work. In my opinion, a motion was drafted in a manner that is more negative than neutral. On that subject, I believe I have proof that our position, as a committee, should be rather more neutral and not negative. I would like to quote you the committee's mandate, which is clearly defined in the House of Commons Procedure and Practice by Audrey O'Brien and Marc Bosc. In the section entitled “Standing committees”, it states the following:

Standing committees form a majority of the committees established by the House of Commons. Their authority flows from their large number (24) and the variety of studies entrusted to them, but also from the fact that they return session after session as their existence is entrenched in the Standing Orders. Composed of 11 or 12 members representing all recognized parties in the House, they play a crucial role in the improvement of legislation and the oversight of government activities.

As Figure 20.2 shows, their titles and mandates cover every main area of federal government activity, but for a few exceptions. However, they do not match its administrative structure exactly. Standing committees fall into three broad categories: (1) those overseeing one or more federal departments or organizations, (2) those responsible for matters of House and committee administration and procedure, and (3) those with transverse responsibilities that deal with issues affecting the entire government apparatus. The latter are likely to work with other committees in discharging their mandates...

The Standing Committee on Official Languages deals with, among other matters, official languages policies and programs, including reports of the Commissioner of Official Languages. The Committee's mandate is derived from a legislative provision requiring that a committee of either House or both Houses be specifically charged with reviews of the administration of the Official Languages Act and the implementation of certain reports presented pursuant to this statute.

We agree that Air Canada is a business that is governed by the federal government. However, the Official Languages Act in no way requires businesses like Air Canada to provide their clients with complaint forms. I would say that our position is that it should be more inclusive. Nowhere does it say that the cards should be addressed to the commissioner. I do not feel that it is in any way an obligation.

I will now read you an excerpt from the Official Languages Act:

2. The purpose of this Act is to

(a) ensure respect for English and French as the official languages of Canada and ensure equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all federal institutions, in particular with respect to their use in parliamentary proceedings, in legislative and other instruments, in the administration of justice, in communicating with or providing services to the public and in carrying out the work of federal institutions;

(b) support the development of English and French linguistic minority communities and generally advance the equality of status and use of the English and French languages within Canadian society; [...]

I want to emphasize the word “equality”. In my opinion, it is absolutely critical to be more inclusive. Our motion should not be only intended to gather negative comments. I believe we should include all comments, whether they be positive or negative. It would be much more acceptable and balanced. In that way, we would allow all of Air Canada's clients to make their comments as they wish.

The Official Languages Act also has the purpose, according to subparagraph 2(c), “to set out the powers, duties and functions of federal institutions with respect to the official languages of Canada”. I would like to speak of the Commissioner:

3. (1) In this Act,

“Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Official Languages for Canada appointed under section 49.

“federal institutions” includes any of the following institutions of the Parliament or Government of Canada: (a) the Senate, (b) the House of Commons, (c) the Library of Parliament, (c.1) the office of the Senate Ethics Officer and the office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, (d) any federal court, (e) any board, commission or council, or other body or office, established to perform a governmental functions by or pursuant to an Act of Parliament or by or under the authority of the Governor in Council, (f) a department of the Government of Canada, (g) a Crown corporation established by or pursuant to an Act of Parliament, and (h) any other body that is specified by an Act of Parliament to be an agent of Her Majesty in right of Canada or to be subject to the direction of the Governor in Council or a minister of the Crown, but does not include (i) any institution of the Council or government of the Northwest Territories or of the Legislative Assembly or government of Yukon or Nunavut, or (j) any Indian band, band council or other body established to perform a governmental function in relation to an Indian band or other group of aboriginal people [...]

I believe the definition of a crown corporation has been clearly explained. I wanted to read these definitions to emphasize what Air Canada's obligations are, as an organization that must comply with the Official Languages Act. When it was privatized, it was given its responsibilities under the Official Languages Act. However, private businesses or crown corporations are not obliged to send the complaints or positive comments of users to the Commissioner. No such obligation exists in our mandate or elsewhere.

Personally, I feel that comment cards addressed to Air Canada should suffice. It is Air Canada that must take the steps to ensure they are compliant with the Official Languages Act. If Air Canada management is not made aware, no steps will be taken either to solve the problems or to congratulate the employees who have received positive comments.

I partly support Mr. D'amours' suggestion. I would like to hear the opinion of the other members of the committee on this matter.

I think that with some refinement, perhaps through amendments, we could end up with a motion that would deal with my concerns and others', and that would satisfy Air Canada clients.

On this basis, Mr. Chairman, we cannot support this motion as moved by Mr. D'Amours. I would invite Mr. D'Amours and my colleagues to comment on this motion and explain why they consider that it complies with our committee's mandate.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Thank you, Ms. Glover.

I will take this opportunity to mention that this morning, we traded our clerk with the clerk from fisheries...

[Julia Lockhart, Procedural Clerk]

From the Standing Committee on the Status of Women.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

She is from the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. So you certainly must know Ms. Boucher. It is therefore Julia Lockhart who is our clerk this morning.

On that note, we will carry on with Ms. Boucher.

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

As you know, we have very often heard the horror stories that Mr. D'Amours has told us here. Everyone knows me: I am happy to criticize, but I also want to say positive things as well. It is the wording of the motion that bothers me. We have to recognize the positive aspect of a given situation, and not just look at the negative, if we want improve things. Good things are done as well as bad anywhere you are, that is life. We would like our world to be perfect, but unfortunately it is most imperfect.

The motion as drafted does not suit me. I would like to have something more comprehensive.

Some people who fly with Air Canada or Jazz are satisfied with the service. That also has to be said, as well as reporting on the bad habits we have often heard here. However, no one has spoken of the good habits. We live in a world where the worse things go, the better we feel; and when good things happen, they must not be mentioned.

I think we will have to put forward a system and ask Air Canada or anyone who works in such public positions to take into consideration both sides of the coin. It is always important to do so, for the simple reason that in that way, we can get a good overview of the situation.

We hear stories here, at the Standing Committee on Official Languages, as is the case with all the other committees, but there are never any grey areas. I think we have to clarify the situation. I would be prepared to propose a friendly amendment, as we say, so that Air Canada would be in a position to speak to their successes and so that we could also analyze their shortcomings. We have to take a broader look at the situation, and not only look at one side of the story. It is important to shine a light on both sides of the story so that we find ourselves in the grey area as little as possible.

This committee has to be proactive, so that people do not have the impression that we are only looking at one side of things, that is to say always looking at the bad aspects. I would hope that we are heading toward improvement, not deterioration.

We live in a rapidly changing and exciting world. We live in a world of globalization, a world in which our children are open to the world. I believe we must try and set parameters with a view to taking a much more balanced approach.

I would be prepared to move an amendment; if Mr. D'Amours wants to share that with me, I would be ready to do so.

Would you like me to read it, my dear colleague Mr. D'Amours?

[Jean-Claude D'Amours, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Chairman, the members of the committee must address you.

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

All right.

Mr. Chairman, would the member Mr. D'Amours like me to read the amendment?

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Go ahead, Ms. Boucher.

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

I will therefore read the amendment I am moving, so that the distinguished member across the way will understand exactly which way the pendulum is swinging.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

I am sure that he, like all the other members of the committee, is anxious to hear it.

[Jean-Claude D'Amours, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Chairman, a point of order.

I am really having difficulty understanding. I would like us to speak more slowly.

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

I will take my time, Mr. Chairman.

With the amendment that I am moving, the motion would read as follows:

That the Standing Committee on Official Languages invite Air Canada to once again place a prescribed comment form, both positive and negative, for services in both official languages in the front seat pocket of all its aircraft, with prepaid postage and addressed to the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

If I understand correctly, Ms. Boucher, after the words "to once again place a prescribed complaint form for services... in the front seat pocket of all its aircraft" you replaced the word "complaint" by the words "both positive and negative comments". Am I right?

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

Yes.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Let us go on to the next intervention, while still considering the amendment.

Now I will turn to Ms. O'Neill-Gordon.

Ms. Gordon.

[Tilly O'Neill-Gordon, Conservative, Miramichi, NB]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

It is slightly arrogant to presume that Air Canada would have only complaints from its passengers regarding its two official languages. I propose many would probably also like to let the commissioner know what a great job they are doing. Therefore, perhaps we should include a congratulation form along with the complaint form.

Air Canada is Canada's largest airline and flag carrier. The airline, founded in 1936, provides scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo in 178 destinations worldwide. Its largest hub is Toronto Pearson International Airport in Ontario. Its main base is Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Quebec. Air Canada is the world's seventh largest passenger airline by fleet size, and the airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, an alliance of 26 member airlines formed in 1997. Air Canada's corporate headquarters are located in the Saint-Laurent area of Montreal, Quebec, in the riding of Mr. Dion, a member and the past leader. I wonder also if he consulted with Mr. Dion before proposing such a motion that will affect a national federally regulated company whose headquarters are in a Liberal riding.

In any case, Mr. Chair, Air Canada had passenger revenues of $9.7 billion in 2008, and the airline's parent company is the publicly traded firm, Aviation Holdings. I would like to remind the committee that Canada's national airline originated from--

[Richard Nadeau, Bloc, Gatineau, QC]

A point of order, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Ms. Gordon, would you please wait for a moment? Mr. Nadeau has raised a point of order. I will just listen to Mr. Nadeau, and I will come back to you, be assured.

Mr. Nadeau.

[Richard Nadeau, Bloc, Gatineau, QC]

We must discuss the amendment and not the motion as such. Now, Ms. O'Neill-Gordon is making a speech on the main motion. I know that there is some coaching going on, but I must make a point of order and let Ms. O'Neill-Gordon know that we have changed subjects some time ago.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

In fact, Mr. Nadeau, Ms. O'Neill-Gordon spoke of congratulations, which is perfectly relevant to the topic of the amendment, namely both positive and negative comments.

[Jean-Claude D'Amours, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

I am raising a point of order, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Mr. D'Amours, I will finish dealing with Mr. Nadeau's question. We should speak one at a time.

Mr. Nadeau, I consider that your point of order is not relevant.

Mr. D'Amours, do you also want to make a point of order?

[Jean-Claude D'Amours, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Yes, but my question could be clarified by our clerk.

Today, we are talking about complaints regarding services in both official languages. I do not know Air Canada's biography, what this company does, how much money it generates on a yearly basis, how many employees it hires and how many airplanes it has, all these things are pertinent facts. Mr. Chair, could you ask the clerk if, within the framework of discussions bearing on a specific motion, the comments should deal precisely and directly with the motion at hand?

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Absolutely, Mr. D'Amours, you know that this is probably a preamble to some comments and that we must not judge things too hastily. This is what you have done. Nonetheless, I will ask the clerk to clarify the issue. We will not suspend the meeting just for that.

Mr. D'Amours, it is important, in fact, that all the interventions should deal with the topic at hand. You are perfectly right, up to now, Ms. O'Neill-Gordon's comments and those made by other committee members have dealt with the topic that we are dealing with. Thank you.

Ms. O'Neill-Gordon, we'll turn back to you. I invite you to continue.

[Tilly O'Neill-Gordon, Conservative, Miramichi, NB]

I would like to remind the committee that Canada's airline originated from the Canadian federal government's 1936 creation of Trans-Canada Airlines, which began operating its first transcontinental flight routes in 1938. In 1965, Trans-Canada was renamed Air Canada, following government approval.

Following the 1980s deregulation of the Canadian airline market, the airline was privatized in 1988. In 2001, Air Canada acquired its largest rival, Canadian Airlines. In 2006, 34 million people flew Air Canada as the airline celebrated its 70th anniversary. Of those 34 million people, how many wished to formulate complaints on official languages services and how many would have liked to congratulate the airline? It is not up to us to say or decide, and I would argue, Mr. Chair, that we should allow the people to have the choice to do either.

Air Canada operates a fleet of Boeing 777, Boeing 767, and Airbus A330 wide-body jetliners on the long-haul routes. Air Canada also utilizes Airbus A320 family aircraft, including the A319, A320, and A321 variations, and Embraer E-170 and E-190 family aircraft on short-haul routes.

The carrier's operating divisions include Air Canada Cargo and Air Canada Jetz. Its subsidiary, Air Canada Vacations, also provides vacation packages to more than 90 destinations. Together with its regional partners, the airline operates, on average, more than 1,370 scheduled flights daily. These are impressive accomplishments, and Air Canada is a very important part of the lives of Canadians.

I think we have a responsibility as parliamentarians to act with all fairness and not just assume the negative. This motion asks us to assume that a company with the stature of Air Canada is not complying with federal laws, such as the Official Languages Act. It is, in my view, unfair and irresponsible for us to take that position, and I think we should consider a mechanism that balances out and allows for positive comments as well, Mr. Chair.