Evidence of meeting #33 for Official Languages in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was languages.
A recording is available from Parliament.
9:50 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
Yes. We had planned a one-hour meeting with witnesses. We have business to attend to in camera.
9:50 a.m.
Conservative
9:50 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
If committee members agree, you may do so.
Is that all right? All right.
9:50 a.m.
Conservative
Royal Galipeau Conservative Ottawa—Orléans, ON
Ms. Gregson, thank you.
Earlier you talked about the CBC levels that are required of heads of mission. We asked you to tell us to what extent our heads of mission complied with that requirement. Do you want to explain to committee members what "CBC" means?
9:50 a.m.
Director, Corporate Resourcing Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
In order, that represents the requirements for comprehension, writing and oral interaction. In the public service, the Public Service Commission of Canada administers tests. Level E represents an exemption. That means that the person speaks the language in question fluently. Level C, which directly precedes it, means that the person is able to conduct a meeting and make a point. Level B is the minimum. In the case of all bilingual positions in the public service, people who engage in supervision or who provide a service to the public must have at least level B.
Does that answer your question?
9:50 a.m.
Conservative
Royal Galipeau Conservative Ottawa—Orléans, ON
Ms. Gregson, you have previously been a head of mission?
9:50 a.m.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Human Resources, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Yes.
9:50 a.m.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Human Resources, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
I have EEC.
9:50 a.m.
Conservative
9:50 a.m.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Human Resources, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Yes.
9:50 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
If Ms. Gregson got a level C for oral interaction, I wonder what it takes to get an exemption.
You should redo the test, Ms. Gregson. I'm sure you'd be granted an exemption for oral interaction. You would definitely pass the test in committee, I can tell you that.
We'll now suspend our proceedings for a few minutes before continuing the meeting in camera. Thank you for coming to meet with us.
[Proceedings continue in camera]