Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Official Languages

Issue No. 8 - Minutes of Proceedings - Meeting of November 21, 2016

OTTAWA, Monday, November 21, 2016
(20)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages met this day at 5:34 p.m., in room 257, East Block, the chair, the Honourable Claudette Tardif, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Gagné, Maltais, McIntyre, Mockler, Poirier and Tardif (6).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Bovey and Moncion (2).

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

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, the committee continued its study on the application of the Official Languages Act and of the regulations and directives made under it, within those institutions subject to the Act. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 2.)

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, the committee continued its study on the challenges associated with access to French-language schools and French immersion programs in British Columbia. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 4.)

WITNESSES:

Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages:

Graham Fraser, Commissioner of Official Languages;

Mary Donaghy, Assistant Commissioner, Policy and Communications Branch;

Christine Ruest Norrena, Senior Counsel & Assistant Director.

The chair made a statement.

Mr. Fraser made a statement and, together with Ms. Donaghy and Ms. Ruest Norrena, answered questions.

At 6:58 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Kevin Pittman

Clerk of the Committee