Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Official Languages

Issue 1 - Minutes of Proceedings - October 3, 2011

OTTAWA, Monday, October 3, 2011
(3)

[Translation]

The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages met this day at 5:06 p.m. in room 9 of the Victoria Building, the Chair, the Honourable Maria Chaput, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Champagne, P.C., Chaput, De Bané, P.C., Fortin- Duplessis, Mockler, Poirier and Tardif (7).

In attendance: Marie-Ève Hudon, Analyst, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, the committee continued its study of the application of the Official Languages Act and of the regulations and directives made under it.

WITNESSES:

Service Canada:

Cheryl Fisher, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Citizen Service Branch;

Julie Lalonde-Goldenberg, Director General, Interdepartmental Partnerships and Service Offerings, Citizen Service Branch.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada:

Anne Duguay, Director General, Workplace Effectiveness and Communities, Human Resources Services Branch.

Ms. Fisher made an opening statement and with the assistance of Ms. Lalonde-Goldenberg and Ms. Duguay answered questions.

At 6:15 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 6:20 p.m., pursuant to rule 92(2)(f), the sitting resumed in camera, and the committee considered a draft report.

It was agreed that the report entitled "The Vitality of Quebec's English-speaking Communities: From Myth to Reality'' be concurred in, and that the chair be authorized to table the report in the Senate and to request a response from the government.

Pursuant to Rule 92(2)(e), the committee considered a draft agenda (future business).

It was agreed that the committee adopt the following order of reference:

That the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages be authorized to conduct a study, as well as submit a report, on the use of the Internet, new media and social media, and the respect for Canadians' language rights;

That the committee report to the Senate from time to time, but no later than October 31, 2012, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings until December 31, 2012.

At 6:52 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Danielle Labonté

Clerk of the Committee