Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Official Languages

Issue 15 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Monday, November 3, 2003
(25)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages met this day at 6:30 p.m., in room 256-S, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Rose-Marie Losier-Cool, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Beaudoin, Chaput, Comeau, Gauthier, Keon, Kinsella, Léger and Losier-Cool (8).

Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Di Nino (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 May 7, 2003 the committee continued its examination of Bill S-11, to amend the Official Languages Act (promotion of English and French). (See Committee Proceedings of September 29, 2003, Issue No. 8).

It was agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-11.

It was agreed that the title stand postponed.

It was agreed that clause 1 carry.

It was agreed that clause 2 carry.

It was agreed that clause 3 carry.

It was agreed that the title carry.

It was agreed that the Bill be adopted without amendment.

It was agreed that the Chair report this Bill to the Senate.

At 6:35 p.m., pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on June 17, 2003, the committee proceeded to examine Bill S-14, An Act to amend the National Anthem Act to reflect the linguistic duality of Canada.

WITNESS:

From the Senate of Canada:

The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Sponsor of the Bill.

The Honourable Senator Kinsella made a presentation and answered questions.

It was agreed that a letter received by Senator Kinsella be filed as an exhibit.

Letter addressed to Senator Kinsella signed by Stéphane Dallaire, received April 14, 2003 (Exhibit 5900-2.37/O1-S-14,9, "1")

At 7:15 p.m., pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on December 5, 2002, the committee proceeded to examine 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 Committee Proceedings of February 10, 2003, Issue No. 3.)

WITNESS:

From the Department of Canadian Heritage:

Hilaire Lemoine, Director General, Official Languages Support Programs.

Mr. Lemoine answered questions.

At 8:00 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Adam Thompson

Clerk of the Committee