Evidence of meeting #75 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 anand.
A recording is available from Parliament.
November 8th, 2023 / 4:40 p.m.
President of the Treasury Board
I will continue to work with everyone.
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Joël Godin
I'm asking you a different question, Ms. Anand.
Have you, yes or no, met with the organizations of the official language minority communities since you were appointed President of the Treasury Board this past July?
President of the Treasury Board
I've obviously met with the Commissioner of Official Languages, and I've spoken with officials across the country.
Conservative
President of the Treasury Board
I've spoken with anglophone and francophone officials in order to understand their needs.
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Joël Godin
Thank you, Ms. Anand.
My question was simple, and I believe we can infer your answer.
Ms. Anand, is there any urgent need to halt the decline of French across Canada, including in Quebec?
President of the Treasury Board
I am responsible for ensuring that we have bilingual services in place for all Canadians and in the public service—
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Joël Godin
Pardon me, Ms. Anand, but I have to interrupt.
I am going to ask you my question once again, and then I'll move on to the next one if you don't answer it.
Is there any urgent need to halt the decline of French across Canada, including in Quebec? It's a simple question.
Conservative
Liberal
Angelo Iacono Liberal Alfred-Pellan, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I understand that you want answers to your questions, but we have to give the witness a chance to answer the question, even if you don't like the first part of her answer.
You've asked one question after another for the past five minutes because you didn't like the way the minister was answering.
Liberal
Angelo Iacono Liberal Alfred-Pellan, QC
Pardon me, Mr. Chair. I'm not finished.
You are here in the role of committee chair today, and I think you really have to understand that, out of courtesy for the minister, you should give her a chance to answer your questions. Furthermore, when she answers a question, you need to accept the answer she gives. You can't comment on the way she answers or the reason for her answer.
I think you're overstepping your right to ask questions and the way you can do that.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Joël Godin
Thank you, Mr. Iacono.
You've made comments and interpreted my questions and remarks, and you're free to do so. I'm going to continue.
I'm restarting the clock for my speaking time.
Minister, this is your last chance to answer this question: is there any urgent need to address the decline of French in Canada and Quebec?
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Joël Godin
Thank you.
What powers does the Minister of Official Languages have under the present act?
President of the Treasury Board
The power to advance the equality of status and use of English and French in Canada. I think the minister must also cooperate in developing and maintaining an all-of-government strategy for official languages.
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Joël Godin
Thank you, Ms. Anand.
I've come to my final question.
Your government committed to amending the Official Languages Act in 2019. In 2021, it tabled a white paper stating in black and white that there should be a central agency. Again in 2021, it introduced Bill C‑32. In 2022, it introduced a second bill, Bill C‑13, and shut down clause-by-clause consideration in committee so it could move forward as fast as possible.
How can you claim to be listening to the communities when you say that Bill C‑13 won't come into force for two or three years, as you told a Senate committee?
Liberal
Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS
Mr. Chair, the interpreters are having trouble doing their work given the speed at which you ask your questions.
Conservative