Evidence of meeting #53 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 godin.
A recording is available from Parliament.
9:45 a.m.
Liberal
9:45 a.m.
Bloc
Mario Beaulieu Bloc La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC
The question I wanted to ask has been answered indirectly.
The language clauses would therefore not apply to the Government of Quebec, for example.
9:45 a.m.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Official Languages, Heritage and Regions, Department of Canadian Heritage
That's right. I confirm that the language clauses would not be obligatory, and that they would rather be a matter for discussion with federal stakeholders.
9:45 a.m.
Bloc
Mario Beaulieu Bloc La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC
In that case, out of solidarity with the francophone and Acadian communities, I will support amendment NDP‑8.
9:45 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal René Arseneault
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu.
Are there any other questions about amendment NDP‑8?
We're going to vote on it, then.
(The amendment is carried: yeas 11; nays 0 [See Minutes of proceedings])
9:45 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal René Arseneault
We are now going to look at amendment NDP‑9, which is on page 94 of the package of amendments.
Ms. Ashton, would you like to propose your amendment?
9:45 a.m.
Independent
Alain Rayes Independent Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Chair, I had raised my hand to intervene before we moved to the next amendment.
9:45 a.m.
Liberal
9:45 a.m.
Independent
Alain Rayes Independent Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
It's to comment on the one before this one. I'd just like to say something.
9:50 a.m.
Independent
9:50 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal René Arseneault
Mr. Rayes will therefore not be proposing amendment IND‑1, on page 100 of our package of amendments.
Thank you, Mr. Rayes.
Ms. Ashton, you have the floor to propose amendment NDP‑9.
9:50 a.m.
NDP
Niki Ashton NDP Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB
Excuse me, Mr. Chair, I need to check something, if I could have a few moments.
We were focusing on amendment NDP‑8. I'd like to thank all the members of the committee for their support.
I'm now ready to present amendment NDP‑9.
9:50 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal René Arseneault
Okay.
We all have a copy of the new amendment NDP‑9, on page 94 of our package of amendments.
Ms. Ashton, do you have anything you'd like to add?
9:50 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal René Arseneault
Okay.
So you are introducing the amendment.
I need to point out to the committee that if amendment NDP‑9 is adopted, amendment BQ‑35 cannot, owing to a line conflict.
9:50 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal René Arseneault
Are there any comments about amendment NDP‑9?
Go ahead, Mr. Serré.
9:50 a.m.
Liberal
Marc Serré Liberal Nickel Belt, ON
I have a question for Ms. Boyer, of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Amendment NDP‑9 refers to "taking positive impacts into account". Could you give us some examples of what that means?
9:50 a.m.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Official Languages, Heritage and Regions, Department of Canadian Heritage
Mr. Chair, would it be possible to send me a copy of the new amendment NDP‑9 being introduced?
9:50 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal René Arseneault
Before going any farther on the question that Mr. Serré asked Ms Boyer, I have something to say.
Ms. Ashton, I think you just submitted a new amendment NDP‑9. The one you are introducing shows reference number 12261211 in the upper left corner. Is that the one we are talking about, Ms. Ashton?
9:50 a.m.
NDP
Niki Ashton NDP Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB
Yes, I submitted a more recent version of the amendment.
9:50 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal René Arseneault
All right. Everyone knows that now.
Mr. Serré, you asked Ms. Boyer a question.
Please go ahead, Ms. Boyer.
9:50 a.m.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Official Languages, Heritage and Regions, Department of Canadian Heritage
Okay.
Amendment NDP‑9 suggests taking the potential positive repercussions of that a positive measure might have. That means consequences that could benefit the official language minority community. The amendment says that direct negative impacts on the community should be avoided.
I can't think of a specific example of a positive impact. It would amount to the community feeling that the positive measure has positive outcomes, and that it could likewise be of benefit to the majority.