Official Languages Committee on March 26th, 2013

[Marie-France Kenny]

Mr. Gourde, I remain convinced that someone could be found, whatever the position. I am sincerely convinced that if the official languages commissioner were no longer there tomorrow morning, we could appoint a bilingual person from the Office of the Commissioner to ensure the position was staffed during two or three months, without having to shut down the position. Where there's a will, there's a way. I became aware of this because I was often told also that it would be hard to find someone.

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

Thank you.

I thank the witnesses for being here.

We need to adopt a budget for the study of Bill C-419.

You have a projected budget in front of you in the amount of $3,900.

Mr. O'Toole.

[Erin O'Toole, Conservative, Durham, ON]

I move that we approve the $3,900, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

Mr. O'Toole has moved that we adopt the budget in the amount of $3,900 for the study of this bill.

On a point of order, Madame Bateman.

[Joyce Bateman, Conservative, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

I have a point of order. I would like us to use tools such as videoconferencing in order to reduce costs. This is the new standard for the federal government. It should be the same thing here, if possible.

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

Yes.

[Joyce Bateman, Conservative, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

Of course, sometimes it is not possible, but videoconferencing is a good idea.

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

Thank you for that point of debate. I appreciate that. In fact, I believe that the Commissioner of Official Languages, who is our next witness to appear at our next meeting, for scheduling reasons will be making his appearance via video conference.

Is there further debate on this motion in front of us?

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

I just wanted to say that the information I received.... Are you talking about Skype?

[Joyce Bateman, Conservative, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

No, I am talking about videoconferences. We have equipment, tools...

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

I am thinking about the other witnesses we still have to hear. I think that the Commissioner of Official Languages is another witness, but are there others as well?

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

He is the last witness.

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

I don't think we want to hear his testimony via videoconference.

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

He's appearing via video conference because he cannot make an appearance in person. His schedule would not permit it.

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

Oh! We did not know.

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

Okay?

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

Yes, that's fine.

[The Chair, Conservative, Michael Chong]

Is there further debate on this motion?

Seeing none, I'll call the question.

(Motion agreed to)

Thank you very much.

Without further ado, this meeting is adjourned.