Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Official Languages
Issue 2 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Monday, March 1, 2004
(3)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages met this day 5:30 p.m., in room 160-S, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Maria Chaput, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Beaudoin, Chaput, Gauthier, Keon, Léger, and Munson (6).
In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Marie-Ève Hudon.
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, February 19, 2004, the committee began its study on the operation of the Official Languages Act, and of regulations and directives made thereunder, within those institutions subject to the Act, as well as upon the reports of the Commissioner of Official Languages, the President of the Treasury Board and the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
WITNESSES:
From the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages:
Dyane Adam, Commissioner;
Michel Robichaud, Director General, Investigations Branch;
Johanne Tremblay, General Counsel and Director, Legal Services Branch;
Louise Guertin, Director General, Corporate Services Branch;
Gérard Finn, Special Advisor.
Ms. Adam made a presentation and, with Ms. Tremblay, answered questions.
At 6:50 p.m., pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, February 26, 2004, the committee began its consideration of Bill S-4, An Act to amend the Official Languages Act (promotion of English and French).
WITNESS:
From the Senate of Canada:
The Honourable Jean-Robert Gauthier, Sponsor of the Bill.
The Honourable Senator Gauthier made a presentation.
It was agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-4.
It was agreed that the title stand postponed.
It was agreed that clause 1 carry.
It was agreed that clause 2 carry.
It was agreed that clause 3 carry.
It was agreed that the title carry.
It was agreed that the Bill be adopted, without amendment.
It was agreed that the Chair report this Bill to the Senate.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, February 19, 2004, the Committee resumed its study on the operation of the Official Languages Act, and of regulations and directives made thereunder, within those institutions subject to the Act, as well as upon the reports of the Commissioner of Official Languages, the President of the Treasury Board and the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
It was moved by the Honourable Senator Keon that this Committee concur in the following budget application for the 2003-04 fiscal year for the purpose of its consideration of the operation of the Official Languages Act, and
That the Chair submit the said budget to the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration for approval:
Professional and Other Services
$ 3,000
Transportation and Communications
$ 250
Other Expenditures
$ 1,000
Total
$ 4,250
At 7:05 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Monday, March 29, 2004
(4)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages met this day 5:32 p.m., in room 257, East Block, the Chair, the Honourable Maria Chaput, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Chaput, Comeau, Gauthier, Keon, Léger, and Mercer (6).
Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Corbin (1).
In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Marie-Ève Hudon.
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, February 19, 2004, the committee continued its study on the operation of the Official Languages Act, and of regulations and directives made thereunder, within those institutions subject to the Act, as well as upon the reports of the Commissioner of Official Languages, the President of the Treasury Board and the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
WITNESSES:
From the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada:
Georges Arès, President;
Diane Côté, Director, Liaison and Research.
From the Centre for Research and Information on Canada:
Andrew Parkin, Co-Director;
Gina Bernard, Research Projects Coordinator.
Mr. Arès made a presentation and, with Ms. Côté, answered questions.
Mr. Parkin made a presentation and, with Ms. Bernard, answered questions.
The Chair recognized the work of the Honourable Senator Beaudoin, who will retire from the Senate on April 15, 2004.
At 7:38 p.m. the committee suspended.
At 7:43 p.m. the committee resumed.
It was agreed that, in accordance with rule 92(2)(e) of the Senate, the committee proceed in camera to consider a draft agenda.
At 7:50 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Adam Thompson
Clerk of the Committee