Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
My question is for Ms. Boyer or Mr. Newman.
We're talking about equal status here. Pursuant to section 45.1(1), “[t]he Government Canada recognizes the importance of cooperating with provincial and territorial governments in the implementation of this Part, taking into account the diversity of the provincial and territorial language regimes that contribute to the advancement of the equality of status.”
Paragraphs 45.1(1)(a), 45.1(1)(c) and 45.1(1)(d) are constitutional in nature. Although all provinces have statutory provisions to provide services in French, reference is made only to those of Quebec here.
Why did the drafters choose not to include any or all provisions? Why did they include only those from Quebec?