Evidence of meeting #24 for Official Languages in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was funding.
A recording is available from Parliament.
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
This is a bit tiresome.
I appreciate that the honourable member would like me to answer his question, and I am trying to co-operate. This would go smoothly if the honourable member would just let me finish my answer.
Basically, when it comes to Laurentian University, the goal is to make sure northern Ontario has a post-secondary institution and to work with the Government of Ontario on solutions. We are willing to support that through investments.
3:45 p.m.
Conservative
Alain Rayes Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Chair, I think Mr. Beaulieu has a point of order. There may be an issue with the interpretation.
3:45 p.m.
Bloc
Mario Beaulieu Bloc La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC
Mr. Rayes' last comment was interpreted in English. The French interpretation wasn't working.
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Emmanuel Dubourg
If everyone speaks at the same time, the interpreters can't do their job, so I would kindly ask that you follow the rules.
Mr. Arseneault, we now go to you.
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
René Arseneault Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB
I won't repeat what you just said, but the discussion certainly sounds jumbled and the poor interpreters can't do their job properly.
3:45 p.m.
Conservative
Alain Rayes Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Chair, I don't think it's the talking over one another that's the issue. That part is terrible, but when—
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Emmanuel Dubourg
Just a minute, Mr. Rayes. Mr. Godin has a comment, and then, we'll come back to you.
3:45 p.m.
Conservative
Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC
Mr. Chair, Mr. Beaulieu's point of order had to do with an interpretation problem. It wasn't all the noise that was causing the problem, as you suggested. Mr. Beaulieu's point of order was extremely appropriate.
We must show respect for the interpreters and do our best to get any technology issues fixed, so that members can hear the discussion clearly in both official languages.
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Emmanuel Dubourg
Thank you, Mr. Godin.
Madam Clerk, is there a technical issue with the English interpretation?
3:50 p.m.
The Clerk of the Committee Ms. Nancy Vohl
As I texted you earlier, there was a minor issue, but it's been fixed now.
3:50 p.m.
Bloc
Mario Beaulieu Bloc La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC
You did not recognize me earlier, so that's why I spoke over another member.
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Emmanuel Dubourg
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu.
Mr. Rayes, we now go back to you. I stopped the clock. You have two minutes left.
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
Alain Rayes Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Minister, can you tell us whether the funding provided to Laurentian University in the past five years has been indexed at all?
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
We can get back to you with all the details, of course. My department official Denis Racine can give you more information.
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
Alain Rayes Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
I can confirm that there was no indexing. The government never increased its funding for Laurentian University despite the financial strain the university is currently under.
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
I don't think I can confirm that. I know additional funding was provided to the Government of Ontario. We increased funding for the French-language education system. Did the Ontario government give that money to Laurentian University? That I don't know, so I can't answer your specific question.
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
Alain Rayes Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Do you realize it is the federal government's responsibility to protect members of minority language communities all over the country?
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
It's a constitutional obligation, but it's also a shared obligation, particularly in the area of education.
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
We've seen this before. When the Ontario government has education problems, it has to meet its obligations. It eventually did in the case of Université de l'Ontario français, after the federal government pushed the province to do something. Ontario has to step up in the case of Laurentian University as well.