Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would like to thank my colleague Ms. Latendresse for her presentation on Bill C-419.
Ms. Latendresse, I would like to look at a few of the clauses in the bill to see how far we can go with it. My other colleagues also have some questions.
The preamble of Bill C-419 reads as follows:
Whereas the Constitution provides that English and French are the official languages of Canada;
Whereas English and French have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of Parliament;
Whereas members of the Senate and the House of Commons have the right to use English or French during parliamentary debates and proceedings;
And whereas persons appointed with the approval by resolution of the Senate, the House of Commons or both Houses of Parliament must be able to communicate with members of those Houses in both official languages;
Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:
Why did you include that preamble in the bill?