I would now like to move amendment CPC‑54, which is consistent with what we have done all along regarding this official languages bill.
I move that Bill C‑13, in clause 49, be amended by adding after line 28 on page 37 the following:
91.1 The Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick or any other person appointed by the Governor in Council who is responsible for representing His Majesty in that province must be able to speak and understand clearly both official languages at the time of their appointment.
That is my amendment. I would now like to convince my colleagues to vote for it, because I think it is important.
At the previous meeting, earlier today, we heard that the only likely way to impose this requirement would be within the context of someone being appointed by the cabinet and the Prime Minister.
I simply want to give us the tools to make the process more rigorous, because chances are that none of us members will be here when the next governor general is appointed. In any case, the odds aren't great. Therefore, I think it's important to have the tools to build in that bilingualism requirement, for that position or elsewhere.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.