Mr. Choquette, section 49 of the Official Languages Act is very short. Subsections 49(2) and 49(4) provide escape valves for anyone who may be concerned about credibility or qualifications. Ms. Meilleur will officially become Commissioner of Official Languages and will be incredibly qualified. Section 49 includes elements that give us ways to deal with the situation. What will happen if she has to recuse herself? There is no way to do that. Subsection 49(4) of the Official Languages Act says that she can, in case of an incapacity, regardless of the reason, give up her position to someone else who will be appointed by the Governor in Council. That's what I wanted to say.
The act is there, and we are subject to it, for better or for worse, like in a marriage. I don't think the committee has anything to say about that. Its task is to defend the rights of minorities under the Official Languages Act.
There is no doubt in my mind as a francophone who has defended minorities in majority communities throughout his career that Ms. Meilleur could do the job. However, it's not yet official. The committee should let things happen.
I am opposed to the motion for all those reasons.