Evidence of meeting #76 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 amendment.
A recording is available from Parliament.
3:40 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Denis Paradis
We are now in public session.
I now give the floor to Mr. Choquette.
3:40 p.m.
NDP
François Choquette NDP Drummond, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to talk about the two motions for which I introduced the notices earlier.
Let me summarize the first motion. Its intent is to invite the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development to come and speak to the Commissioner of Official Languages' report, entitled “Early Childhood: Fostering the Vitality of Francophone Minority Communities”. The goal is to have him tell us about the progress made on his announcements regarding early childhood.
Agreements have already been reached. It's good news to hear that we are able to sign agreements with the provinces with a view to investing in early childhood. That's very important in light of the Commissioner of Official Languages' report.
I think it would be nice to hear from the minister on this particular topic, especially since early childhood is a significant part of Graham Fraser's report and in light of everything we have heard recently.
3:40 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Denis Paradis
Thank you, Mr. Choquette.
Are there any comments?
We'll start with Mr. Samson, followed by Mr. Lefebvre.
3:40 p.m.
Liberal
3:40 p.m.
Liberal
3:40 p.m.
Liberal
Paul Lefebvre Liberal Sudbury, ON
Mr. Chair, although I agree that we should invite the minister, I have to remind you that that the department is currently negotiating with the provinces. Mr. Choquette is aware of that. The discussions are in camera, since the parties do not want to disclose information before the agreements are worked out.
I see that you did not include a date in your motion, Mr. Choquette. I think we could give the chair an opportunity to check with the minister when he would be available to appear. We would let the minister determine the date of the appearance.
If that were the case, I would have no issue with it. Do we agree on that? The minister would determine the time, and it would be up to the chair to contact him.
October 19th, 2017 / 3:40 p.m.
Liberal
Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS
I pretty much wanted to make the same comment. There's no point in the minister appearing before us in the middle of negotiations. Agreements need to be signed. Prince Edward Island, Ontario, New Brunswick and the Northwest Territories have already signed one. My understanding is that Nova Scotia will sign one next week. Let's give the agreements a chance to be signed, and then the minister can report to us.
3:40 p.m.
Conservative
Alupa Clarke Conservative Beauport—Limoilou, QC
I'm sorry, I made a mistake; The comment I wanted to make was about the other motion.
3:40 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Denis Paradis
Okay.
Does everyone agree? The date is to be determined. I will see how we can arrange it.
(Motion agreed to)
3:40 p.m.
Liberal
3:40 p.m.
NDP
François Choquette NDP Drummond, QC
The other motion is the one I moved on October 4, 2017, with a view to inviting the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
I included a deadline: “by December 1, 2017”. I think that works, but we can check whether it works for my colleagues.
According to the motion, the minister would appear before us to give an update on the Action Plan for Official Languages, but the discussion could be broader. For instance, we could talk about the recent annual report and, if appropriate, she could also give us an update on the action plan. We can change the wording by placing more emphasis on the annual report than the action plan.
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS
It's as if he can read my mind; that's unusual. It isn't something I recommend doing often.
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS
That said, it's exactly what I wanted to propose. I think the minister should come and talk to us about the annual report. It could include the action plan and other things. And she wouldn't be limited to one subject.
3:45 p.m.
Conservative
Alupa Clarke Conservative Beauport—Limoilou, QC
I would like to make an amendment to your motion, Mr. Choquette, to make it clear that we would also like to hear about the agreement with Netflix. She could tell us what in the agreement promotes or guarantees investments to protect francophone production.
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Denis Paradis
If you are proposing an amendment, I would like to see a clearly defined text.
3:45 p.m.
Conservative
3:45 p.m.
The Clerk of the Committee Ms. Christine Holke
He can, but the first amendment must be voted on first.
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Denis Paradis
Okay. I accept Mr. Clarke's amendment.
Now, I would like to hear your comments on the amendment.
Ms. Lapointe, you have the floor.
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
Linda Lapointe Liberal Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC
My comment doesn't concern the amendment, but rather what my colleague Mr. Choquette said initially. It isn't exactly the date that poses a problem, but discussing something as specific as a report.