Official Languages Committee on Sept. 22nd, 2016

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

I am going to read the wording of the motion that is unanimously supported, but first I will turn the floor over to Mr. Choquette.

You have the floor, Mr. Choquette.

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

I would like to recommend that the people from Mr. Samson's office and that of Mr. Généreux work on the new motion. Then we would have a clear written version at our next meetings, which would facilitate our understanding. When it comes to adding one word and deleting another, it gets a little complicated. However, if the people from the two offices agreed to work together, we would have a clear and precise motion next Tuesday. We would of course send it to the clerk and it would be easier to complete the work.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

I think that is a very good idea, a wise piece of advice.

Mr. Arseneault, you have the floor.

[René Arseneault, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

I do not want to make matters worse, but, while the new motion that you will agree on is being drafted, I would like us to ensure that any applicable implementation regime or coercive tool that might be suggested not be exclusive to Air Canada. The Official Languages Act is not limited to Air Canada. I do not know whether I am making myself understood.

[Paul Lefebvre, Liberal, Sudbury, ON]

We want to give the motion some teeth, but it must not be rigid. We are talking about Air Canada. I understand that you want to ensure that the motion applies to Air Canada, but not exclusively.

[René Arseneault, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Yes.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

All right.

Mr. Choquette, you have the floor.

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

With your consent, we will now move on to the motion that I tabled on Tuesday.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

Just a moment, please. First we are going to settle this one.

Mr. Samson, you have the floor.

[Darrell Samson, Liberal, Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS]

The people from my office and those from Mr. Généreux's office will rework the motion. The problem for me is simply that Mr. Généreux arrived with a new version of his motion this morning. However, the essential aspect of my amendment concerned the first version. Now that we agree, the people from our offices will rewrite this and submit the whole to you next Tuesday.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

All right. You are going to rework the entire motion and send the text the clerk so that we have it in hand next Tuesday.

Is that correct?

[Darrell Samson, Liberal, Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS]

Yes.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

All right. Then this part is settled

Is there anything else?

Yes, Mr. Choquette?

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

I tabled a motion last Tuesday. As you probably know, the Commissioner of Official Languages was to leave his position on October 16. He has fortunately agreed to an extension of his term until mid-December, but he has clearly stated that he will then spend some time with his family and devote himself to other projects. That is entirely understandable. As you probably know, Commissioner Fraser has occupied that position longer than any other commissioner in history.

He has done an excellent job. His knowledge and expertise are extensive. As there is a large number of open files, he would be wise to ensure transition. I know the government is working very hard to advertise commissioner positions. Two positions were advertised this week, that of Ethics Commissioner and another position. The fact that commissioner positions are subject to a transparent, open and skills-based process is really a good thing. I congratulate the government on that. On the other hand, it must also ensure that there is a transition. However, there has been a delay in advertising the position of Commissioner of Official Languages, which is something of a concern.

The purpose of my motion is to invite the Governor in Council to proceed with the advertising of the position as soon as possible. The idea is simply to remind the Governor in Council that we are concerned about the transition.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

Thank you, Mr. Choquette.

Mr. Vandal, you have the floor.

[Dan Vandal, Liberal, Saint Boniface—Saint Vital, MB]

Is it a notice of motion that Mr. Choquette is giving today?

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

Notice has already been given. It was in the motions for consideration.

Mr. Samson, you have the floor.

[Darrell Samson, Liberal, Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS]

I honestly cannot support this, but the others may decide otherwise.

With respect to the transparency of the process, there can be no doubt that this takes a little more time than what should be considered normal. Judges have not been appointed and officials are trying to do many things. Officials want to select someone and ensure that the process is clear and transparent when candidates are invited to apply. We acknowledge that this kind of process takes a little more time than usual.

I would like to let our government go through the necessary steps. Those responsible know that they must advertise the position as soon as possible. The same will now be true for the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court. It must also be as fast as possible, but let us not rush the process. We cannot have a transparent process that requires us to go through a dozen steps and still advertise the position tomorrow. We have to allow a little time.

I consider this motion a little premature. I would not want to be telling my government to appoint someone or announce an appointment if it has not done the necessary thinking to ensure the process is transparent.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

Thank you, Mr. Samson.

Mr. Arseneault, you have the floor.

[René Arseneault, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

When I read this motion in a literal manner, I am prepared to support it as it stands. We are inviting the Governor in Council—because we do not have the power to choose—to advertise the position and to select a commissioner as soon as possible.

Mr. Samson, if that is done as soon as possible and in accordance with the process, then so much the better. I understand your view, Mr. Samson. You have stated it in an entirely honest and transparent manner.

Perhaps we could just add a few words to suggest it proceed “in accordance with applicable procedures.” I do not know how we could word it exactly. By adding a minor element, we could say the same thing without complicating matters.

[Darrell Samson, Liberal, Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS]

I would be more comfortable if the added element concerned compliance with procedures.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

Mr. Choquette, you have the floor.

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

I support the amendment.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

The amendment consists in the addition of the words “in accordance with applicable procedures”.

[René Arseneault, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

The motion would therefore read as follows: “… as soon as possible, in accordance with the applicable procedures in place, in order to provide for time to transfer files….”