Evidence of meeting #45 for Official Languages in the 44th 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.
12:55 p.m.
Conservative
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC
I was asking this question because I believe that, two Parliaments ago, there was an indigenous languages bill passed. The applicability of this law with respect to other obligations of Parliament is important to recognize, when new language regarding indigenous languages is included in this bill.
Thank you.
12:55 p.m.
Liberal
Marc Serré Liberal Nickel Belt, ON
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
First of all, I agree with Ms. Ashton that we need to be pushing this ahead faster. As Mr. Dalton mentioned, the conversations we are having today should enrich our discussions in future sessions. We don't need to have the same conversation we had today, although it is a good discussion.
Second, I would strongly encourage Mr. Beaulieu to read his own amendments, because it is clear that amendment BQ‑1 results in some exclusions, which I oppose. As Mr. Garneau mentioned earlier, this amendment removes a portion of the bill that deals with indigenous languages. It also removes the provision that compels the government to provide services in French at all times, even in emergency situations.
Third, as I mentioned earlier regarding Mr. Godin's amendment, this amendment removes the notion of recognizing the different linguistic dynamics that exist in each province.
The amendment deletes a number of elements. I don't understand why we should even consider this amendment. I agree with my two colleagues on this side of the table, and I will be voting against this amendment. We need to move on as quickly as possible to the next amendment.
1 p.m.
Bloc
Mario Beaulieu Bloc La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC
In response to Mr. Serré, I would say that that is precisely why we wanted to have enough time to get it right. We are being rushed, and we had to fight against a closure motion. Debate is being limited, and this is being rushed through. It's important to be able to remain adaptable and flexible in our discussions.
I also want to say that it's not true that we do not recognize the diversity of language regimes. When we say that francophone minorities in each province and territory must be recognized, we are really recognizing that we need to adapt to the needs of minorities in each province and territory. It would be harmful to impose the same measures on everyone. We believe that freedom to choose always favours the strongest.
What we want is for federal language legislation to be adapted to the needs of francophone and Acadian communities, which are different from those of other communities in Canada.
1 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal René Arseneault
Mr. Beaulieu, I didn't want to interrupt, but the meeting is coming to an end. I'm told that we still have a bit of time left, but members must give their consent if they want to continue the meeting.
Is everyone in agreement with continuing the meeting for a few minutes?
1 p.m.
Voices
No.
1 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal René Arseneault
I see that people from all parties have other obligations, since other committee meetings are about to begin.
Mr. Beaulieu, I'm sorry, but there's no unanimous consent. We'll pick this up again at the next meeting, which is scheduled for December 15, to continue the clause‑by‑clause of Bill C‑13.
I'd like to inform the members of the committee that I appeared before the Subcommittee on Committee Budgets of the Liaison Committee last Friday on behalf of the Standing Committee on Official Languages. Our committee's travel request was approved, but it still needs to be authorized by the House of Commons. So far, so good.
The meeting is adjourned.