Evidence of meeting #56 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 move.
A recording is available from Parliament.
2:40 p.m.
Conservative
Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC
After reading amendment NDP‑16, I would like to know why my NDP colleague is adding subsections 36(3) and 36(4).
What is the intent and motivation behind this?
2:40 p.m.
NDP
Niki Ashton NDP Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB
I must admit that I didn't think we would get this far in our study. If I am to give you a satisfactory answer, I will have to talk to my team members a bit. However, I see that we have only 17 minutes left in the meeting.
2:40 p.m.
Bloc
Mario Beaulieu Bloc La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC
We could take a break to understand what we are voting on.
2:40 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal René Arseneault
If you want to take a break and the committee members agree, we can take a break. However, some people need to leave the meeting at 3 p.m.
2:40 p.m.
Liberal
Marc Serré Liberal Nickel Belt, ON
Mr. Chair, we have six witnesses who can give us explanations if we ask them. That's why they're here.
2:40 p.m.
Liberal
Marc Serré Liberal Nickel Belt, ON
Okay.
I would like to know how amendment NDP‑16 affects Bill C‑13. I am referring to the subsections Mr. Godin mentioned earlier.
2:40 p.m.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Official Languages, Heritage and Regions, Department of Canadian Heritage
Mr. Chair, I yield the floor to Mr. Fallu.
2:40 p.m.
Manager, Modernization of the Official Languages Act, Department of Canadian Heritage
You'll tell me when you're ready, Mr. Chair.
2:40 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal René Arseneault
Great.
Can I interject for a moment? You can imagine that I have all the answers, instinctively.
Let's all go back to amendment NDP‑13 on page 153 of the document bundle.
You see subsection (3) that we passed unanimously. There is also a subsection (4). Amendment NDP‑16 is to enact these subsections.
2:40 p.m.
Bloc
Mario Beaulieu Bloc La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC
Amendment NDP‑16 refers to subsections 36(2) to 36(4). This is not the same thing.
2:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal René Arseneault
If you like, we'll let our legislative clerk explain what the situation is.
In summary, subsections 36(2) and 36(3) were passed unanimously through amendment NDP‑13. Thus, we have ensured consistency between NDP‑13 and NDP‑16.
I will let Ms. Thivierge speak to this further.
March 31st, 2023 / 2:45 p.m.
Émilie Thivierge Clerk of the Committee
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
If you look at NDP‑13, on page 153, you will notice that subsection 64.5(1) appears twice, in items (a) and (b) of the amendment. In item (a), the first version of subsection 64.5(1) comes into force on royal assent.
2:45 p.m.
Conservative
Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC
Excuse me, Madam Clerk. What document are you referring to?
2:45 p.m.
Clerk of the Committee
I am on page 153 of the amendment bundle. This is the new amendment NDP‑13, which was passed earlier today.
So this amendment has two versions of subsection 64.5(1): one that appears in item (a) of the amendment and one that appears in item (b). The one in item (a) comes into force on royal assent. The one in item (b) is the one that Ms. Ashton proposes to add, which is subsection (3):(3) Subsection 64.5(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Subsection (3), which is a new version of subsection 64.5(1) proposed by Ms. Ashton, shall take effect by order in council at a later time.
So there are two coming into force dates for subsection 64.5(1): one on royal assent and the other, if the committee adopts Ms. Ashton's amendment NDP‑16, which is the new version of subsections 36(3) and 36(4), will come into force by order in council later.
2:45 p.m.
Bloc
Mario Beaulieu Bloc La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC
On what page of the bundle are subsections 36(3) and 36(4)?
2:45 p.m.
Clerk of the Committee
On page 153.
On page 24 of Bill C‑13, there is already subsection 36(2), which is located just above section 37.
Amendment NDP‑13 adds section 36(3). This is not in amendment NDP‑13, but subsections (3) and (4) are combined with section 36 to make 36(3) and 36(4).
The committee adopted sections 36(3) and 36(4), which were in Ms. Ashton's amendment.
2:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal René Arseneault
Section 36 is referenced in the first line of the NDP‑13 amendment. It reads: “That Bill C‑13, in Clause 36, be amended”.
Then details are provided.
Mr. Généreux, you have the floor.
2:45 p.m.
Conservative
Bernard Généreux Conservative Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC
As I understand it, Madam Clerk, we have no choice but to adopt this amendment if we are to make these two subsections effective in the act.
2:45 p.m.
Conservative