Thank you, Mr. Chair.
In response to my colleague Mr. Housefather's comments, I'd like to remind him of how serious the current situation is.
Quebec is a majority-French province in an English- speaking North American ocean. I think that it's important to begin by acknowledging that. It's perhaps what led our writers to say "including that ... (b) Quebec’s Charter of the French language provides that French is the official language of Quebec". I think it's appropriate for the Charter of the French Language to be mentioned, because it is relevant to the objective of the bill.
Now, Mr. Chair, how can Mr. Housefather propose referring to the Quebec National Assembly in the act without including all the provincial legislatures?
The Charter of the French Language is one aspect. If we want to put the Quebec National Assembly in the act, then all the provincial and territorial legislatures need to be included. In my view, with respect, the amendment you are proposing is not required. It's altogether legitimate to include the Charter of the French Language in paragraph 45.1(1)(b). The situation has to be acknowledged. It also mentions Manitoba and New Brunswick.
As the officials explained, it's not exhaustive. I don't think that placing the Quebec National Assembly in the bill is as strong, and it doesn't clearly reflect Quebec's specific circumstances.
That's what I have to say, Mr. Chair.