THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Monday, May 4, 2026
(19)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages met in camera this day at 5:02 p.m., in room B30, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Allister Surette, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Cormier, Gerba, Hébert, Henkel, Moncion, Patterson and Surette (7).
Participated in the meeting: Marie-Ève Hudon, Analyst, Library of Parliament; Jérémie Spadafora, Communications Advisor, Communications, Broadcasting and Publications Directorate.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the committee continued its study on the regulatory framework of Part VII of the Official Languages Act.
Pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee discussed a draft report.
It was agreed that the committee allow the audio recording and/or the transcription of the today’s in camera meeting, that one copy be kept with the clerk of the committee for consultation by committee members and/or their staff, and that the audio recording and/or the transcription be destroyed by the clerk of the committee when authorized to do so by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, but no later than at the end of this parliamentary session.
At 5:30 p.m., pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the committee continued its study on such issues as may arise from time to time relating to official languages generally. (Topic: Proposed regulations on administrative monetary penalties)
Pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee discussed a draft report.
It was agreed that the draft report, as amended, be adopted in both official languages, and that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be empowered to approve the final version of the report, in both official languages, taking into consideration this meeting's discussions, with any necessary editorial, grammatical and translation changes required.
It was agreed that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be empowered to make decisions on behalf of the committee to publicize the report with the support of the Senate Communications Directorate
It was agreed that the chair be authorized to table the report in the Senate, in both official languages at the earliest opportunity, and that the chair request a complete and detailed response from the government.
At 6:52 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee discussed in camera a draft agenda (future business).
At 7:13 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Katy Quinn
Clerk of the Committee