Government Operations committee  A generation is spread over 20 or 25 years. The process began in the best years, back in the 1970s. But we're now in 2006. Thirty-six years have gone by, which corresponds to a generation and a half. At the beginning of the process, people said the next generation would be bilingual, since people who are 50, 60 or 70 years old don't or can't learn another language, and so on.

Government Operations committee  You mean EX-4 and 5 positions?

Government Operations committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. Ms. Barrados, I want to thank you and your colleagues for being with us once again, because for some time now, I have had the pleasure of sitting on this committee. I will obviously read your report with great interest, because the Commission is a central agency that plays a critical role.

Government Operations committee  I would like the record to show that only Conservative colleagues were opposed to dealing with this motion today.

Government Operations committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. Now that the motion has been tabled, I would like to ask Committee members for their unanimous consent to deal with it, with all due respect for Ms. Barrados. If I have unanimous consent, I would be prepared to postpone that discussion until 11:40 a.m. That is my first request of colleagues.

Government Operations committee  I have no questions. Like this gentleman, I'm having a devil of a time understanding what this is all about. However, that does not mean I won't have some in a few days. Thank you.

Government Operations committee  I nominate Ms. Nash, from the NDP, as second vice-chair.