Official Languages Committee on Nov. 8th, 2023

[Anita Anand]

I will continue to work with everyone.

[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?

[Anita Anand]

I've obviously met with the Commissioner of Official Languages, and I've spoken with officials across the country.

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Joël Godin]

Yes, but so you haven't—

[Anita Anand]

They are stakeholders too.

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Joël Godin]

You've met with the organizations personally.

[Anita Anand]

I've spoken with anglophone and francophone officials in order to understand their needs.

[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?

[Anita Anand]

I am responsible for ensuring that we have bilingual services in place for all Canadians and in the public service—

[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.

[Anita Anand]

We have Bill C‑13, and, yes, I think we must—

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Joël Godin]

It isn't a bill any more; it's an act.

[Anita Anand]

—implement the act as soon as possible.

[Angelo Iacono, Liberal, Alfred-Pellan, QC]

A point of order, Mr. Chair.

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Joël Godin]

Yes, Mr. Iacono. Go ahead.

[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.

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Mr. Iacono, pardon me—

[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.

[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?

[Anita Anand]

Yes, of course.

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Joël Godin]

Thank you.

What powers does the Minister of Official Languages have under the present act?

[Anita Anand]

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.

[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?

[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.

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Joël Godin]

Did you understand my question, Ms. Anand?