Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Official Languages

Issue No. 9 - Minutes of Proceedings - Meeting of February 13, 2017

OTTAWA, Monday, February 13, 2017
(23)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages met this day at 5:32 p.m., in room 257, East Block, the chair, the Honourable Claudette Tardif, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Bovey, Cormier, Gagné, Jaffer, Maltais, McIntyre, Mégie, Mockler, Moncion, Seidman and Tardif (11).

Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Fraser (1).

In attendance: Marie-Ève Hudon, Analyst, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament; Geneviève Sicard, Stakeholder Outreach Officer, Senate Communications Directorate.

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.)

APPEARING:

The Honourable Judy Foote, P.C., M.P., Minister of Public Services and Procurement.

WITNESSES:

Public Services and Procurement Canada:

Marie Lemay, Deputy Minister;

Adam Gibson, A/Chief Executive Officer, Translation Bureau.

Canada Lands Company Limited:

Manon Lapensée, Director, Corporate Communications.

The chair made a statement.

Minister Foote made a statement and, together with Ms. Lemay, Mr. Gibson and Ms. Lapensée, answered questions.

At 6:49 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 6:55 p.m., the committee resumed.

The Honourable Senator McIntyre moved:

That, pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on December 7, 2016, the membership on the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be increased by one non-voting member chosen from the senators who are not members of a recognized party, to be designated after the usual consultations.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

The Honourable Senator Mockler moved:

That, Senator Maltais replace Senator Poirier on the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure during her absence.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

At 6:57 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 6:58 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to consider a draft report.

At 7:35 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Kevin Pittman

Clerk of the Committee