Official Languages Committee on June 1st, 2017

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d’Orléans—Charlevoix, QC]

I propose another amendment, in order to add names to our list.

I want us to meet with Natacha Engel, from the Office of the Prime Minister, Catrina Tapley, assistant secretary to the cabinet, and Graham Fraser.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

Madam Clerk, are you taking note of this?

[The Clerk]

Yes. I'll add these people to the list.

Can you repeat the names, Ms. Boucher?

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d’Orléans—Charlevoix, QC]

Natacha Engel, from the Office of the Prime Minister, Catrina Tapley, assistant secretary to the cabinet, and Graham Fraser, the former Commissioner of Official Languages.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

Can you explain why you're asking for this addition?

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d’Orléans—Charlevoix, QC]

Yes. At the committee meeting I didn't attend, but that I watched from a hospital room, Ms. Meilleur was asked whether she had met with the former Commissioner of Official Languages. She said that she had met him on the street. I think the transfer of a position must involve an official meeting. I want to know what process was followed in 2006 when Mr. Fraser took over, and to compare it to the process we're talking about today.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

Can you explain why you want to add the other names?

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d’Orléans—Charlevoix, QC]

We know that Natacha Engel and Catrina Tapley were part of the selection committee.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

So we have an amendment from Ms. Boucher.

René Arseneault, you have the floor.

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

I want to know how Ms. Boucher did this. I don't know these names.

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d’Orléans—Charlevoix, QC]

Perhaps the reason is that you didn't look for them. You're a member of the Liberal Party, and I'm a member of the opposition.

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

Were these names included in the 12 names on the selection committee's list?

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d’Orléans—Charlevoix, QC]

Yes. There are several more, but those in particular. When we make appointments and we're too close to the Prime Minister, it starts to look bad to the public and to organizations.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

Are there any other questions or comments?

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

I want to add someone to the list. Can I do so through this amendment, or do I need to submit an amendment myself?

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

Reach an agreement on the shopping list and we'll vote on it.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

If you want to add a name, I'll allow it.

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

I want us to invite Mr. Fraser.

[The Clerk]

We talked about him.

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

Is he already on the list?

[A voice]

Yes.

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

Sorry. I didn't say anything then.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

Is that okay?

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

Yes. That's fine.

[The Chair, Liberal, Denis Paradis]

Does anyone else want to comment on Ms. Boucher's amendment? No?

We'll proceed with the vote.