Evidence of meeting #46 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 yellowknife.
Chair, Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest
We decided to start with what is most crucial for us. If we are successful, we will see what should be done subsequently. However, first and foremost, we want the right to manage our schools and facilities on an equal footing with other boards.
Liberal
Lise Zarac Liberal LaSalle—Émard, QC
Do the ministry, the other school boards and yourselves consult one another?
Chair, Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest
There are two fairly regular meetings that take place with all the school boards and ministry officials. I should also say that we have spent a great deal of time negotiating. We had not made just one request before going to court; we negotiated for years unsuccessfully. That's why we really had no choice.
Liberal
Lise Zarac Liberal LaSalle—Émard, QC
With respect to the case that is currently before the courts, have you lodged complaints with the Languages Commissioner?
February 9th, 2011 / 4:40 p.m.
Chair, Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest
I do not believe so.
Liberal
Lise Zarac Liberal LaSalle—Émard, QC
When I refer to the Language Commissioner, who do you think I'm referring to?
Chair, Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest
There is one at the federal level and one at the NWT level.
Liberal
Lise Zarac Liberal LaSalle—Émard, QC
When I talk about the Languages Commissioner, who do you think I'm talking about first?
Chair, Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest
I don't know his name.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Steven Blaney
And when you think of the chair of official languages, I guess you think of me, Ms. Zarac, do you not?
Ms. Guay, please.
Bloc
Monique Guay Bloc Rivière-du-Nord, QC
I will be brief.
Ms. Coderre, you have experienced some problems with your grant applications, but every organization from one end of the country to the other has had the same problems. Some heads of organizations have even used their personal credit cards to make reservations, in order to hold their activities.
This is something that is being corrected at the federal level. I hope that it will be corrected, because it's ridiculous and prevents organizations from carrying out their activities.
Executive Director, Culture, Association franco-culturelle de Yellowknife
There are repercussions to this. You lose your staff and professional burnout quickly affects the employees that remain. When you are at the point where you have to use your personal credit card, as you can well imagine, there is already quite a bit of accumulated stress.
There will be very positive results if you move forward on this.
Bloc
Monique Guay Bloc Rivière-du-Nord, QC
Some organizations in my own riding are in the same position. They work hard, they take on all the responsibility. They end up being exhausted. So, we have to find a solution, for you as well. Rest assured that we will be thinking of you in future.
I want to commend you for the great work you are doing.
Executive Director, Culture, Association franco-culturelle de Yellowknife
Thank you very much.
Bloc
Monique Guay Bloc Rivière-du-Nord, QC
I wish you the best of success with your French-language school board in the Northwest Territories. I know there is a hefty price to pay, but sometimes you do achieve results. I certainly hope that things work out for you.
Conservative
Conservative
Bernard Généreux Conservative Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Ms. Montreuil, I didn't really understand your answer to the question Mr. Godin asked you earlier. You were saying that it costs the association or the school board a fortune to defend itself against the government. You said that you received $125,000 from somewhere.
Who pays the total legal bill for all of this? Is it paid directly by the parents?
Chair, Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest
No, the board realized that we were going to eventually end up in court, so it put some money aside. It comes out of the board's funds. We also negotiated with our legal counsel to spread the costs over several years to give us a chance to--
Conservative
Bernard Généreux Conservative Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC
What is your estimate of the cost of the current court case?
Chair, Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest
Should I give it for both?
Superintendent, Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest
Yes, you can, but it's [Inaudible--Editor].
Chair, Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest
We estimate the cost of the two court cases to be $900,000.
Conservative
Bernard Généreux Conservative Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC
Almost $1 million. That is almost the cost of a gymnasium.
Chair, Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest
Yes, in my opinion, it's a crime. It's criminal.