Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Official Languages

Issue 4 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Monday, May 10, 2004
(6)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages met this day in camera at 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 Chaput, Gauthier, Keon, Léger, Maheu, and Rivest. (6)

Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Adams (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. (See Issue No. 2, March 1, 2004 and March 29, 2004, for the full text of the Order of Reference.)

WITNESSES:

From the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages:

Dyane Adam, Commissioner;

Gilbert Langelier, Director, Audits, Investigations Branch;

Gérard Finn, Special Advisor.

From the National Capital Commission:

Marcel Beaudry, Chairman;

Suzanne Gustafsson, Executive Director, Human Resources Branch.

From the Department of Canadian Heritage:

Hilaire Lemoine, Director General, Official Languages Support Programs.

From Public Works and Government Services Canada:

Sylvie Lemieux, Acting Director General, Accommodation and portfolio management;

Denis Cuillerier, Director, Official Languages Directorate.

From the Association de la presse francophone:

Francis Potié, Director General;

Annick Schultz, Director of Communications and Government Relations.

Ms. Adam made a presentation and, with Mr. Langelier, answered questions.

At 6:29 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 6:31 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Beaudry made a presentation and answered questions.

Mr. Lemoine made a presentation, Ms. Lemieux made a presentation and submitted a brief, and then together answered questions.

At 7:26 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 7:30 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Potié made a presentation and answered questions.

At 7:55 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Adam Thompson

Clerk of the Committee