Evidence of meeting #2 for Official Languages in the 43rd 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.
4:45 p.m.
NDP
Charlie Angus NDP Timmins—James Bay, ON
It reads:
That the Committee invite the Commissioner of Official Languages Raymond Théberge to report on the work of his office .
It's simple.
4:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Emmanuel Dubourg
The motion has been duly tabled. So, debate is open. Discussion and comments on Charlie Angus's motion may begin.
It is being distributed. You already have a copy.
(Motion agreed to)
4:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Emmanuel Dubourg
With regard to these two motions, the one from Ms. Lambropoulos and the one from Mr. Angus, we should also talk about dates, that is, when we are going to do these studies.
Ms. Lalonde, you want to comment.
4:45 p.m.
Liberal
Marie-France Lalonde Liberal Orléans, ON
Mr. Chair, I strongly suggest that our outstanding subcommittee look at this issue and present us with an angle and some witnesses. I know my colleague Mr. Angus has already made that point. I think the subcommittee will be hard at work until next week.
4:50 p.m.
NDP
Charlie Angus NDP Timmins—James Bay, ON
For my motion, I think it's normal that we invite him and see what dates he can be here. When he comes back and tells us what they are, we can work around that. I'm not going to lose any sleep over the calendar.
4:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Emmanuel Dubourg
Okay. I think it's really clear that the only witness we're going to have is Monsieur Théberge.
4:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Emmanuel Dubourg
Just a minute.
How long will a meeting with Mr. Théberge last? Will it take two hours?
4:50 p.m.
The Clerk
Two hours? Duly noted.
4:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Emmanuel Dubourg
Colleagues, it is true that we have enough material for the next few weeks, but it should also be noted that the main estimates will normally arrive in early March and we will have until May 31 to pass them. All of this will be part of our work too.
Mr. Chong, you have the floor.
4:50 p.m.
Conservative
Michael Chong Conservative Wellington—Halton Hills, ON
Mr. Chair, did you say we were going to have a meeting to consider the estimates?
4:50 p.m.
The Clerk
It's the main estimates. That's up to the committee.
4:50 p.m.
Conservative
4:50 p.m.
The Clerk
Normally, the main estimates should be introduced in the House this week because they have to be tabled before March 1. We'll be set shortly.
4:50 p.m.
Liberal
4:50 p.m.
Liberal
4:50 p.m.
The Clerk
No. They are automatically referred to the committees. Some committees adopt a motion to set the date on which they will consider them. Other committees proceed with consideration without further ado because there is already an order of reference from the House.
4:50 p.m.
The Clerk
It can be helpful, but it's not necessary to have a motion.