Evidence of meeting #54 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 proposed.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Warren Newman  Senior General Counsel, Constitutional, Administrative and International Law Section, Public Law and Legislative Services Sector, Department of Justice
Julie Boyer  Assistant Deputy Minister, Official Languages, Heritage and Regions, Department of Canadian Heritage
Marcel Fallu  Manager, Modernization of the Official Languages Act, Department of Canadian Heritage
Clerk of the Committee  Ms. Michelle Legault

6:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal René Arseneault

Not at all, Mr. Godin. He's talking about amendment LIB-25.

6:05 p.m.

Liberal

Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC

I am definitely talking about the amendment. I believe that Bill 96 infringes section 133 of the Constitution Act, 1867, because it says that incorporated non-profit organizations must file their court documents with a certified translation into French. It's before Quebec's courts today.

I believe that we can avoid an argument by using different words to say the same thing, namely that French is Quebec's official language.

Thank you very much.

6:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal René Arseneault

As I don't see any other hands raised, I would ask that we proceed to the vote, Madam Clerk.

(The amendment is defeated: nays 6; yeas 5) [See minutes]

6:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal René Arseneault

Before adjourning the meeting, I'd like to tell you where we stand with respect to the meeting times.

Our next meeting will be on Friday, March 31.

Please note that there will not be a meeting on Friday, March 24, because that's the day President Biden will be visiting us, as you know.

Nor will there be a meeting on Tuesday, March 28, because that's the day of the budget speech.

As of now, we have four and a half meeting hours remaining for the the clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-13.

Stay tuned, because we might well have an opportunity to meet on the afternoon of Friday, March 31.

Keep that in mind before we adjourn the meeting.

6:05 p.m.

Conservative

Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC

In fact, Mr. Chair, it would be important to know ahead of time so that we can plan our travel.

6:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal René Arseneault

We've been proactive, and we're still waiting.

6:05 p.m.

Conservative

Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC

I understand. I'd simply like us to be able to strike a balance. There's no ill intent.

6:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal René Arseneault

I gave you a hint last week when we were sitting. As soon as I have confirmation of the times and dates, I will send the information to all the members.

Go ahead, Mr. Généreux.

6:05 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Généreux Conservative Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC

If we sit on Friday, March 31, in the afternoon, will that use up all of the four and a half hours you mentioned?

6:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal René Arseneault

There would be half an hour remaining.

6:05 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Généreux Conservative Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC

If we have to work all afternoon on Friday, March 31, we might as well use up all the remaining hours.

6:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal René Arseneault

Right. Understood.

The meeting is adjourned.