Official Languages committee  We are not able to provide that answer because we never asked the lawyers what their affiliation was. I'm convinced that if it was in our power to do so, we probably would have discovered people of all political stripes and, without a doubt, many without one.

Official Languages committee  I will respond to the first part of your comment about your concern regarding our participation on the committee. We respond to all requests that we receive. Whether the invitation comes from a Richelieu Club, the Association des juristes du Manitoba or the press, when we are ask

Official Languages committee  Thank you, honourable member. First, to quickly respond to a previous question, let me reassure you that we have read the report tabled by the Standing Committee on Official Languages. This is an extremely important document. It is long and has a lot for communities to think abou

Official Languages committee  I simply want to remind the committee that when a minority or a disadvantaged group goes before the courts on the issue of language rights, it is going against the government, be it federal or provincial. So it is already working against the majority, since a Parliament or a gove

Official Languages committee  You're right.

Official Languages committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to add to what you said, Mr. Murphy. There are two parts because the first version of the Court Challenges Program pertained exclusively to language rights. When the program was re-established, after 1982, that is, after the implementation o

Official Languages committee  Excuse me, Mr. Chairman. I would like to add something. We urge the committee to recommend the full reinstatement of the Court Challenges Program and its budget as prior to September 26, 2006. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Official Languages committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As you indicated, with me are Mr. Noël Badiou, Executive Director of the Court Challenges Program of Canada, and Ms. Kathleen Tansey, member of the board of directors. I know that it would probably be more useful to answer your questions, if you have any

Canadian Heritage committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. We appreciate that this committee has taken the time to hear us. All members of this committee seem to agree on the need for the program. This is comforting to us. I hope a similar program will be reinstated, despite the fact that the government has abolish

Canadian Heritage committee  No, the evaluation said that we did the right thing.

Canadian Heritage committee  It says we did the right thing. It's like blaming the victim for what's happening, and I think it's unfair, sir. If you really believe in that particular program, such as you are saying, make sure it happens. And fund both sides. We do not mind. I mean, do it. But make sure that

Canadian Heritage committee  The answer is no, for the record.

Canadian Heritage committee  I agree totally with you when you talk about the unfairness of groups not having access to justice. I think that's why we're here. I totally agree with your last comment on this. I think you should make sure, as a representative of the government, that you carry the message to th

Canadian Heritage committee  There was no problem for us. This is what we were mandated to do.

Canadian Heritage committee  Some Canadians.