Official Languages Committee on Nov. 13th, 2020

[Raymond Théberge]

Our thinking on administrative tribunals is still evolving. Three principles must be respected.

The first is to ensure that it really gives the complainant access to justice. Is there a better system than the one currently in place? We must make sure that the system we put in place really meets the needs of complainants.

The second principle is to ensure that the Commissioner's role as ombudsman, with its independence and impartiality, is maintained.

Third, when we talk about a tribunal as such, it must decide points of law and be able to enter into binding agreements and establish administrative sanctions, for example.

Our thinking is evolving and we are working on a discussion paper in this regard that will be coming soon.

[The Chair, Liberal, Emmanuel Dubourg]

Thank you, Mr. Théberge.

Please stay with us.

Now we have to make a decision about this vote.

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF OFFICIAL LANGUAGES Vote 1—Program expenditures.......... $19,298,567

(Vote 1 agreed to)

Shall I report the main estimates 2020-21 to the House of Commons?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Chair, Liberal, Emmanuel Dubourg]

I will report to the House of Commons.

On behalf of all members of the committee, I would like to thank the Commissioner and his entire team.

Mr. Théberge, thank you for joining us with Mr. Leduc, Ms. Saikaley, Mr. Trépanier and Mr. Giguère. It was a pleasure to hear from you, and the members of the Committee hope to see you again soon.

Colleagues, the meeting is now adjourned.

(Meeting adjourned)