Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Official Languages

Issue 9 - Minutes of Proceedings - April 23, 2012

OTTAWA, Monday, April 23, 2012
(21)

[Translation]

The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages met this day in room 9, Victoria Building, at 5:05 p.m., the chair, the Honourable Maria Chaput, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Chaput, Comeau, De Bané, P.C., Fortin-Duplessis, Losier-Cool, 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 Thursday, November 17, 2011, the committee continued its study of CBC/Radio-Canada's obligations under the Official Languages Act and some aspects of the Broadcasting Act. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 8.)

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, the committee began its study of the government response to the report of the committee entitled The Vitality of Quebec's English-speaking Communities: From Myth to Reality (October 2011).

WITNESSES:

Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN):

Nicola Johnston, Member of the Board of Directors;

Sylvia Martin-Laforge, Director General;

Stephen D. Thompson, Director of Policy, Research and Public Affairs.

English Language Arts Network:

Guy Rodgers, Director General.

Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA):

Marie-France Kenny, President;

Serge Quinty, Director of Communications.

Ms. Johnston, Ms. Martin-Laforge and Mr. Rodgers made an opening statement, and along with Mr. Thompson, answered questions.

At 6:08 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 6:17 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Ms. Kenny made an opening statement, and along with Mr. Quinty, answered questions.

At 7:06 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Danielle Labonté

Clerk of the Committee