Official Languages Committee on Nov. 4th, 2010

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

Mr. Godin, I would simply like to remind you that we are not in court. You can ask your question but I think that this is the fourth or fifth time that you have asked that question and I believe that the commissioner has answered it.

You have 20—

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

Excuse me, Mr. Chair, but this time belongs to me. If I want to ask my question 20 times, then I will do so 20 times.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

I think that we can show some basic respect …

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

Excuse me, Mr. Chair, this is my time.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

—to witnesses who are appearing before the committee.

You have 25 seconds remaining, Mr. Godin.

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

In 25 seconds, can you tell me whether I was disrespectful to you, Mr. Commissioner?

[Graham Fraser]

Mr. Chair, I never thought that the member was being disrespectful to me.

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

Thank you very much, Mr. Commissioner.

[Graham Fraser]

I have always appreciated his comments. I supported his bill. We may at times have different opinions, but I always appreciate it when members feel free to express their disagreement in a frank and open manner.

[The Chair, Conservative, Steven Blaney]

That is the beauty of democracy.

So we can now move on to Ms. Guay.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Fraser, I have been a member of Parliament for 17 years. I already knew you back then, you were a journalist at the time, and we even traveled together. I was very pleased by your appointment to the position of Commissioner of Official Languages because you are perfectly bilingual, and I congratulate you for that.

However, after 17 years, I see no progress in bilingualism here in Parliament. The only people that I know who are truly perfectly bilingual are francophones who learn English. I do not see anglophones showing a great deal of interest in becoming bilingual. This is my personal perception, Mr. Chair, but since I have been working here for such a long time, I am entitled to that personal perception. I have seen no interest in learning French, unless people are forced to do so. It is easy to get the feeling that some people do not see bilingualism as important.

I would like to talk to you once again about a transportation act that includes Air Canada and Jazz. It is really urgent that we have legislation. Would you agree with me?

[Graham Fraser]

Yes.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Once we have legislation—do not worry, we will take care of our job here in Parliament—will it give you the authority to take legal action so that Air Canada or any subsidiary of Air Canada, such as Jazz, complies with the law?

[Graham Fraser]

Everything will depend on the nature of the bill.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Yes, I understand.

[Graham Fraser]

I do not want to comment on a bill that I have not yet seen.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

No, I understand.

[Graham Fraser]

However, if an institution is subject to the legislation, we will have the appropriate authority.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

When that happens, you will be able to take action.

[Graham Fraser]

Mrs. Tremblay may be able to comment on that further.

[Johane Tremblay]

Yes, if indeed the recommendation is implemented and, for example, Jazz is directly subject to the legislation, we will be able to conduct investigations.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

That would have to be the case for any other subsidiary.

[Johane Tremblay]

Any other subsidiary, yes.

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Because Jazz can also change its name tomorrow morning.

[Johane Tremblay]

Absolutely. That is why we need to have a flexible approach in the bill which would make it possible to designate other subsidiaries that could be created.