Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Official Languages

Issue 9- Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Monday, October 31, 2005
(17)

[Translation]

The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages met this day in camera at 4:05 p.m. in room 256-S of the Centre Block, the Chairman, the Honourable Eymard G. Corbin, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: The Honourable Senators Chaput, Comeau, Corbin, Murray, P.C., and Tardif (5).

Also present: From the Parliamentary Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Andrée Tremblay, Analyst.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday November 3, 2004, the committee proceeded to study, with a view to reporting from time to time 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 the complete text of the order of reference, see Issue No. 3, Monday, November 15, 2004.)

It was agreed that staff members of senators be allowed to remain in the room during the committee's in camera proceedings.

It was agreed that Senator Maria Chaput be selected as a delegate to attend the annual congress of the Fédération nationale des conseils scolaires francophones that will be held in Ottawa from November 2 to November 4, 2005 and that her registration fees be paid out of the committee's budget.

Pursuant to rule 92(2)(f), the committee considered a draft report.

At 5:58 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

OTTAWA, Monday, November 21, 2005
(18)

[Translation]

The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages met this day in camera at 3:08 p.m. in room 256-S of the Centre Block, the Chairman, the Honourable Eymard G. Corbin, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourables Senators Buchanan, P.C., Champagne, P.C., Chaput, Comeau, Corbin, Murray, P.C. and Tardif (7).

Also present: From the Parliamentary Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Andrée Tremblay, Analyst.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday November 3, 2004, the committee proceeded to study, with a view to reporting from time to time 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 the complete text of the order of reference, see Issue No. 3, Monday November 15, 2004.)

The Chairman welcomed Senator Champagne, P.C., to the committee.

It was agreed that staff members of senators be allowed to remain in the room during the committee's in camera proceedings.

Pursuant to rule 92(2)(f), the committee considered a draft report.

At 4:28 p.m., proceedings were suspended.

At 4:33 p.m., public proceedings resumed.

APPEARING:

The Honourable Mauril Bélanger, P.C., M.P., Minister responsible for Official Languages.

WITNESSES:

Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages:

Dyane Adam, Commissioner of Official Languages;

Johane Tremblay, Director, Legal Affairs Branch;

Carol White, Director General, Corporate Services Branch;

Louise Guertin, Director General, Policy and Communications Branch;

Michel Robichaud, Director General, Investigations Branch.

Privy Council Office:

Jérôme Moisan, Senior Director, Official Languages Branch, Intergovernmental Affairs.

The Chairman made a statement.

Ms. Adam made a statement and, along with Ms. Tremblay and Mr. Robichaud, answered questions.

At 5:32 p.m., the committee suspended its sitting.

At 5:35 p.m., the committee resumed its sitting.

Mr. Bélanger made a statement and answered questions.

It was agreed that the speaking notes provided this day by Ms. Adam be appended to these minutes of proceedings.

At 6:37 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Gaëtane Lemay

Clerk of the Committee