Evidence of meeting #6 for Official Languages in the 42nd Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was cpac.
A video is available from Parliament.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Denis Paradis
We will meet in camera.
[Proceedings continue in camera]
[Public proceedings resume]
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Denis Paradis
We are no longer in camera.
We will continue our proceedings. We are studying the motion moved by Mr. Généreux concerning the contribution of the Hon. Mauril Bélanger.
I give you the floor, Mr. Généreux.
Conservative
Bernard Généreux Conservative Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I reread the motion. I believe it accurately conveys what I wanted to say and faithfully reflects my intention. I move that we adopt the motion, unless others have comments.
I believe that the motion truly highlights Mr. Bélanger's commitment to the francophonie over the years. I feel that is quite obvious. I wrote my motion quickly, on the corner of a desk, but it conveys very well what I wanted to say.
If I may, I move that the motion be adopted.
Liberal
Liberal
Linda Lapointe Liberal Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC
I would like to propose an addition after the third paragraph, in order to make the motion a little bit longer. The first three paragraphs are fine. It would read as follows:
With his strong sense of commitment and enthusiasm, Mr. Bélanger has made, and continues to make, an unforgettable difference for official language minority communities from coast to coast to coast. Therefore, the members of the Committee would like to invite organizations representing English- and French-speaking minority communities to join them in recognizing Mr. Bélanger's commitment and in thanking him for his exceptional contribution.
Conservative
Liberal
Linda Lapointe Liberal Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC
We will probably add a little something in the English version.
Randy, do you want to read it?
Liberal
Randy Boissonnault Liberal Edmonton Centre, AB
Thank you, Mr. Généreux.
We could perhaps share the text another day. However, I can read you the previous paragraphs in English:
The members of the Committee would like to pay tribute to the determination, perseverance and courage that Mr. Bélanger has shown as he continues to champion our official languages with passion and dedication despite the adversity he now faces on a daily basis. With his strong sense of commitment and enthusiasm, Mr. Bélanger has made, and continues to make, an unforgettable difference for official language minority communities from coast to coast to coast. Therefore, the members of the Committee would like to invite organizations representing English and French speaking minority communities in Canada to join them in recognizing Mr. Bélanger’s commitment and in thanking him for his exceptional contribution.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Denis Paradis
Everyone seems to be in favour of the French and English amendments.
(Motion agreed to)
Conservative
Sylvie Boucher Conservative Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île dOrléans—Charlevoix, QC
I have a question. Will you move the motion in the House? How will that work?
Liberal
Conservative
Sylvie Boucher Conservative Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île dOrléans—Charlevoix, QC
Excuse me, it's wonderful that the committee has done this, but it seems to me that this motion should be tabled unanimously in the House.
Conservative
Sylvie Boucher Conservative Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île dOrléans—Charlevoix, QC
She added a feminine touch, which I think is great.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Denis Paradis
The committee can choose to table a report, and this text would be the report.
Are you favourable to making this a report of the committee and that the committee table it in the House?
Conservative
Sylvie Boucher Conservative Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île dOrléans—Charlevoix, QC
I think that would be a good thing.
Conservative
Sylvie Boucher Conservative Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île dOrléans—Charlevoix, QC
No, it's a motion. The rules may have changed, but in the past, we've presented the motion itself.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Denis Paradis
I'll ask the clerk to find out how we can present it in the House, if you agree.
Conservative
Sylvie Boucher Conservative Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île dOrléans—Charlevoix, QC
That would be very good. In that case, the chair would present it.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Denis Paradis
Okay.
Mr. Clerk, would you please take care of this?
The committee wants to present the report, right?
Conservative
Bernard Généreux Conservative Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC
Presenting it in the House of Commons is one thing, but it would have to be read. In that case, I would like to read the French part, and Mr. Boissonnault can read the English version of the motion to the House.