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View Pablo Rodriguez Profile
Lib. (QC)
View Pablo Rodriguez Profile
2021-06-23 16:57 [p.9068]
Mr. Speaker, I want to rise to humbly thank all of the House of Commons staff.
As everyone knows, the pandemic forced us to change our way of doing things and to reinvent everything. The House services demonstrated a great deal of resourcefulness and flexibility when putting in place the hybrid version of the House of Commons.
For that to happen, the rules of the House of Commons had to be rewritten, and a completely virtual Parliament had to be set up in both official languages. That was a massive undertaking. Thanks to everyone's efforts, we were able to participate in debates in the House, hold regular committee and caucus meetings and vote remotely. In my opinion, this is a model for everyone.
I would like to give special thanks to our interpreters. The process of setting up the virtual part of the House and committee proceedings was particularly difficult for them. The interpreters have had to deal with some serious challenges since the virtual and hybrid sittings began, including technical issues, sound quality issues and, of course, long hours. On behalf of myself, the entire government team and the entire Liberal team, I thank them for the absolutely outstanding work they have been doing since September. They can now take a well-deserved rest.
I also want to thank the Speaker and his team, as well as all House employees and staff working in ministers' offices and in the offices of MPs from all parties.
Lastly, I want to give special thanks to my fellow House leaders from the other parties. We do not always see eye to eye, but we have managed to build a relationship of trust. We have found ways to work collaboratively, of course, in a respectful and sometimes jovial manner. I wish each and every one of them a wonderful summer. I hope everyone is able to rest and spend quality time with their families.
I hope everyone will return to the House in good health.
View Karen Vecchio Profile
CPC (ON)
Mr. Speaker, it has truly been one heck of a crazy year. To all the people who have worked here, I know we have felt every ounce of it some days.
I would like to carry on with the words of the the House leader.
I very much want to thank all the people who have made the job of the House of Commons work. I especially thank the clerks, the women and gentlemen, at the table who have helped us through so many different things.
To you, Mr. Speaker, and to all the Deputy Speakers in the House, thank you very much for your commitment to the House and to the democracy we hold in this place.
Of course, this job includes pages. For the many pages here today and throughout this session, it has been a very difficult time for them.
With respect to the interpreters, we have heard a lot of things from our interpreters. Whether it is “move your boom down” so they can understand what we are saying or whatever it may be, I thank the many interpreters who have helped not only in the chamber but in our committees as well to ensure the work we do is done as well.
To all the IT staff, we have probably learned a lot more about Zoom than we ever thought we would have to know, including knowing when to turn the audio off and on. I thank everybody who has been so patient with so many of the members as we have been learning about this.
Of course, this place is safe because of the people whom we have here for public safety. Therefore, a special thanks to the PPS. I know I definitely have my favourites, and Norma is in the lobby today. We have some great people working here.
With respect to the food services, many of us would not enjoy this job as much if food services were not here. I thank them so much for helping us out and keeping us nourished.
To all the staff in the administration and the staff who work in each of our offices on the Hill and in our constituency offices, this is one big place to work in, and I very much thank everybody who makes it work so well.
View Yves-François Blanchet Profile
BQ (QC)
Mr. Speaker, the session is coming to a close and, if we are to believe the rumours, Parliament may be about to end.
No matter what happens, I would like to remind everyone, all parties and all nations, that we work for the common good. It may be that some have doubts about the good faith of the players, as if they were setting the stage for something to come. Whatever the case and with a positive outlook, I will be bringing my plants home, just in case I am away for a long while.
From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the Bloc Québécois's elected members and teams, I thank the House of Commons staff—the officers, cafeteria staff, pages, the Speaker and the Deputy Speakers—for their care and outstanding work. I have a special thought for the interpreters, who were dealt a difficult hand by the pandemic and all the malfunctions we have had.
Let us make the most of it and let us all come back this fall. The Bloc Québécois is ready to contribute and to return in even greater numbers to the House.
Finally, I would like to wish our first nations brothers and sisters a summer of reconciliation, and hope that francophones everywhere will have a great Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. Above all, I want to wish a happy national holiday to the nation that will be recognized in the next Constitution.
To my fellow leaders and to everyone else, whether or not our summer recess is cut short, I hope it is most enjoyable. Also, let us hope that Montreal wins the Stanley Cup.
View Peter Julian Profile
NDP (BC)
Mr. Speaker, I rise to express appreciation on behalf of the NDP caucus and the member for Burnaby South for all those who have made a difference, and are making a difference, throughout this pandemic Parliament.
Fifteen months and 10 days ago, I rose in the House of Commons, on March 13, 2020, as you will recall, Mr. Speaker, to speak, as we suspended for what we thought would be a few weeks due to the COVID pandemic. Those few weeks have turned into over 15 months as we struggle through this unprecedented health crisis.
Fifteen months later, we mourn the loss of over 26,000 Canadians who have lost their lives through this terrible pandemic. Through it all, Canadians have rightfully paid tribute to the incredible courage and determination of health care workers across Canada, of doctors, of nurses, some of whom sacrificed their lives. We pay tribute to first responders and front-line workers, because we acknowledge they are helping all Canadians as we endeavour to get through this terrible pandemic.
Today we express our gratitude to all the people who made Parliament work during the pandemic. The technical support team proved that it is possible to have more than 300 MPs in a hybrid Parliament. Democracy carried on despite the pandemic.
We also extend sincere thanks to the clerks, including André Gagnon, who is retiring today.
We are very grateful to the administrators, analysts, drivers, pages, technicians, security guards, cleaning and maintenance staff and restaurant staff for their dedication during the crisis.
We cannot thank the interpreters and translators enough. In an officially bilingual Parliament, their work is essential. We know their working conditions were extremely difficult, even hazardous to their health, and their dedication is greatly appreciated. We also wish interpretation manager Sylvie Scott a happy retirement.
While we are thanking those who have made a difference through this pandemic, we must, of course, include MP staff from all parties, ministerial staff and public servants across Canada. I thank them for the sacrifices they have made during this pandemic.
Despite political spin, and I ask where Ottawa would be without political spin, the reality is that this pandemic has shown that 338 MPs have worked well together. We have met that high bar Canadians set to ensure their elected representatives work together in times of crisis. We have so much still to do to build a society where no one is left behind. The NDP caucus hopes to be back at work in Ottawa as soon as possible to continue that essential work in Parliament.
In the meantime, we wish the Speaker, all members of Parliament, their staff and their families health and safety in the coming weeks, as we continue to do the work on behalf of Canadians.
View Gérard Deltell Profile
CPC (QC)
View Gérard Deltell Profile
2021-06-21 15:11 [p.8855]
Mr. Speaker, as everyone knows, when a member rises to move a motion in the House, they must always have the proper equipment. We saw that the leader of the Bloc Québécois did not have the necessary equipment. That being said, I think that all parties know what the leader of the Bloc Québécois wants to talk about, and I seek the consent of the House to let him continue.
View Gérard Deltell Profile
CPC (QC)
View Gérard Deltell Profile
2021-06-21 15:11 [p.8855]
Mr. Speaker, I think we all recognize that the member for Beloeil—Chambly is not set up correctly to address the House of Commons. We also know what he wants to talk about today.
What I would suggest to my colleague for Beloeil—Chambly is that he first make his presentation in French and then after that, if he can, translate it to be sure that every member will have access, in both official languages, to his proposition of the day.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
The problem with the interpretation is due to the fact that the member does not have the proper equipment. Does the hon. member for Beloeil—Chambly agree to proceed as the member for Louis-Saint‑Laurent suggested?
View Yves-François Blanchet Profile
BQ (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I am not sure about the nature of the request because I cannot simultaneously interpret—
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
The problem is that we cannot hear the member for Beloeil-Chambly properly because he is not using the official equipment provided by the House.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
Order. I would ask for the attention of the House.
Even if we could understand—barely— what the hon. member for Beloeil-Chambly was saying, it was not clear enough for the interpreters. It was therefore suggested that the member start in one official language and then repeat the same thing in the other official language so that everyone could understand. Is that agreeable to everyone?
Hon. members: Agreed.
The Speaker: That is how we will proceed. The hon. member for Beloeil-Chambly will start in the official language of his choice and then repeat the same thing in the other official language. The hon. member for Beloeil-Chambly.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that, if they are going to do something in a different location than they are used to, they should please make sure the equipment is at hand and tested previously. It will just make things work so much more smoothly, and it will make things a lot easier.
The hon. member for Louis-Saint-Laurent on a point of order.
View Gérard Deltell Profile
CPC (QC)
View Gérard Deltell Profile
2021-06-21 15:19 [p.8856]
Mr. Speaker, I will make myself clear so everyone understands what I am saying.
We have to follow certain rules. Yes, there are technical considerations, but location matters too. I completely understand what motivated the member for Beloeil—Chambly, the leader of the Bloc Québécois, to do this on National Indigenous Peoples Day and to do it in an indigenous centre. That puts us all in a positive frame of mind. Plus, his proposal, which he read in both official languages, was unanimously adopted.
I invite the Speaker to issue a recommendation about whether we are supposed to be in the House, in our parliamentary office or in our riding office. If it should so happen that we are not in one of those three places, I believe, although we would have to reread what has been said about this, that we are expected to inform the House in advance so officials can make sure everything is working properly.
For today, it is understandable. I would be the first to agree, because Wendake is in my riding. We can move symbolic motions like the one moved today. However, I think we need a rule, should a member choose to speak from somewhere other than the House of Commons.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
I thank the hon. member for Louis-Saint-Laurent, who raised a very good point.
I would like to remind all members that the House is a neutral place, as free of symbols as possible. Sometimes, we do not notice it at all, but it is very important to make sure that the House is as neutral as possible.
It being 3:22 p.m., pursuant to order made on Thursday, June 17, it is my duty to ask the Sergeant-at-Arms to admit Mr. Iain Stewart.
View Carol Hughes Profile
NDP (ON)
I want to remind the hon. member to maybe adjust her microphone next time so it is a bit higher. There was a lot of interference.
The hon. member for Nepean.
View Carol Hughes Profile
NDP (ON)
The problem with the interpretation has now been resolved, and the hon. member for Lac-Saint-Jean can continue his speech.
View Carol Hughes Profile
NDP (ON)
I am not going to refute it. I will ask the hon. member to do that.
However, before I ask the hon. member to do that, I am going stop the clock and ask him to maybe unplug and then plug in his mike again. There seems to be an issue for the interpreters. If he could do that and then maybe give me a quick test.
We can continue, and if there is an issue, I will raise it again.
The hon. member for Ottawa South.
View Marilène Gill Profile
BQ (QC)
View Marilène Gill Profile
2021-06-14 14:18 [p.8332]
Mr. Speaker, with regard to the interpretation, the volume is the same for both the English and the French, so I am having a lot of trouble hearing either one.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
Is everyone experiencing that problem or just those who are attending virtually?
I am being told it is a technical problem. Can it be fixed?
Can you hear me well? Are we still having a problem?
Can you hear me well in French?
View Marilène Gill Profile
BQ (QC)
View Marilène Gill Profile
2021-06-14 14:20 [p.8332]
Mr. Speaker, the volume of the French interpretation is lower.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I can hear you very well. There is no problem with the interpretation.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
I think we have resolved our problem.
The hon. deputy leader of the opposition. I will let you take it from the top.
View Marilène Gill Profile
BQ (QC)
View Marilène Gill Profile
2021-06-14 14:21 [p.8332]
Mr. Speaker, it is exactly the same, and I am not the only one having this problem. People have written to me to tell me that they cannot hear anything and that the volume is set at the same level in both languages.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
I thank the hon. member for Manicouagan.
I will give the technical team a few minutes to resolve the problem.
I am going to conduct a very unscientific test. Can everyone who is out there listening in French hear me in French at different levels?
Apparently not. I think there is still a problem.
Are those listening to the English interpretation having problems?
It is English to French that is the issue. We will see what our technical folks can do about this.
Can you hear me properly in French?
The francophones seem to be hearing me properly, but there is still a problem. Most people are hearing me properly.
Would someone please find out if it is a problem with the member for Manicouagan's computer?
View Marilène Gill Profile
BQ (QC)
View Marilène Gill Profile
2021-06-14 14:24 [p.8332]
Mr. Speaker, I will wait for a call from the technical team.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
View Alexandra Mendès Profile
Lib. (QC)
I am sorry to interrupt the hon. member, but I think there is a problem with the interpretation.
It is working now. The hon. member for Drummond.
View Carol Hughes Profile
NDP (ON)
The problem seems to have been resolved.
The hon. member can restart his response.
View Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay Profile
BQ (QC)
Madam Speaker, maybe it is just me, but even though I have my earpiece set to “French”, there is no interpretation, so I could not understand my hon. colleague's message.
View Carol Hughes Profile
NDP (ON)
I ask the hon. parliamentary secretary to restart his question.
We will restart the time on the question.
View Monique Pauzé Profile
BQ (QC)
View Monique Pauzé Profile
2021-06-08 18:02 [p.8139]
Madam Speaker, that is exactly why I am rising.
The interpreter is completely unable to do her job because there is a problem with the member's microphone.
View Carol Hughes Profile
NDP (ON)
I just asked him to check that.
I want to make sure the hon. member has picked the right mike.
The hon. member for Northumberland—Peterborough South.
View Bruce Stanton Profile
CPC (ON)
View Bruce Stanton Profile
2021-06-07 12:30 [p.8005]
An hon. member's audio is on, and I would ask that we try to cancel that.
We will go back to the hon. member for Saanich—Gulf Islands to finish her question.
View Bernard Généreux Profile
CPC (QC)
Mr. Speaker, during question period, in one of the responses we heard from the heritage minister, the sound quality was so poor that I had to remove my earpiece.
On top of that, on two occasions, two Bloc Québécois members left their microphones on at certain points, one of them continuously, which I think is totally unacceptable after 14 months of using these technologies.
When I was in Ottawa last week, I had an opportunity to observe the tight spaces the interpreters work in, crammed in like sardines, not to mention the awful conditions using technologies that hurt their ears.
Mr. Speaker, I urge you to take the necessary steps to ensure that the technology used to address the House of Commons is used appropriately, and that the sound quality when members are speaking is decent. It is very disruptive.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
I thank the hon. member for bringing this matter to our attention. He is right, it is very disruptive. Every member has a responsibility to ensure that their microphone is on mute when it is not their turn to speak, and I would once again like to remind all members that it is important not to speak when your microphone is on, but it is not your turn.
The hon. member is also right about the sound quality. We were having problems, but they have been resolved. I was prepared to stop the minister, but he fixed the situation and the sound was good. If anyone is aware that there could be a problem, it might be worth checking to see if their microphone is working.
View Steven Guilbeault Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I would just like to point out that the name of the department in French is “le ministère du Patrimoine”, not “Heritage”.
More to the point, I want to acknowledge that I was having technical problems that I spent several minutes unsuccessfully trying to resolve with the House technicians. New equipment should be sent to me soon.
View Martin Champoux Profile
BQ (QC)
View Martin Champoux Profile
2021-06-07 16:24 [p.8040]
Madam Speaker, I wish to intervene because we often talk about how much we value the work of our interpreters.
If my colleague could speak a little slower, it would give the interpreters a chance to do their job more easily and perhaps a little more accurately. That would make it easier for us to follow our colleague's speech.
View Carol Hughes Profile
NDP (ON)
It is very important for us to have interpretation. I must therefore support the request that was just made and ask the hon. member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan to speak more slowly, because it is very important for the interpreters.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind all members who have their speech written up to send a copy to the interpreters. This helps them follow what is said more closely.
The hon. member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan.
View Garnett Genuis Profile
CPC (AB)
Madam Speaker, on the same point of order. I appreciate the point. I wonder if you can tell me how much time I have left because that will allow me to calibrate how fast I need to speak, but I do want to share with you it is a good point of advice to share the text with the interpreters and I have done that in this case.
View Carol Hughes Profile
NDP (ON)
The hon. member has four and a half minutes. The time has stopped for the point of order. I do want to advise the member that I understand it is not just about the interpretation; it is very difficult for even the viewers to listen if the hon. member is talking too quickly. If it could be at a good pace, but not so quick that people cannot follow, that would be important. I am sure that the hon. member wants to make sure that everybody is able to hear and understand what he is saying.
The hon. member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan.
View Mark Gerretsen Profile
Lib. (ON)
View Carol Hughes Profile
NDP (ON)
I would ask the hon. member to slow down. We had a point of order about this earlier. If the document provided to the interpreters is not bilingual, they need a little more time to do their work.
I would therefore ask the members to speak at a reasonable speed to ensure the best possible interpretation so that everyone can participate, hear and understand.
The hon. House Leader of the Official Opposition.
View Pierre Poilievre Profile
CPC (ON)
View Pierre Poilievre Profile
2021-06-04 10:15 [p.7959]
Madam Speaker, I rise on the same point of order.
Unfortunately, the ruling was brief and we did not have the opportunity to hear it in both official languages. All members have the right to hear the rulings rendered in both official languages.
With all due respect—
View Alexandra Mendès Profile
Lib. (QC)
That is exactly why we have interpretation in the House, but I will repeat that the motion is in order. I have ruled.
We will come back to the House with more information in 30 minutes. I will accept no further points of order.
I have ruled. We are entering debate.
Some hon. members: Oh, oh!
The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès): Please, can we understand that we have an answer to bring to the House in 30 minutes' time?
The hon. member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan.
View Pierre Poilievre Profile
CPC (ON)
View Pierre Poilievre Profile
2021-06-04 11:00 [p.7966]
Madam Speaker, on a point order. For your ruling to have weight, members of the House must have had the opportunity to hear the debate that led to that ruling. In the middle of the speech by the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, which is not in Saskatchewan but in Alberta, I could—
View Alexandra Mendès Profile
Lib. (QC)
I think the member is going to tell me about the French and English interpretation, but it was available.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
I am afraid we are still having trouble. I am not sure what it is, but I am sure we will get it figured out. You are going to have to work with IT.
I will ask the minister if he heard enough of the question to answer.
The hon. minister.
View Elizabeth May Profile
GP (BC)
View Elizabeth May Profile
2021-06-03 15:13 [p.7910]
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Given the technical difficulties the hon. member for Vancouver Granville just experienced, I return to the point that we should have more time within question period for members with a status such as hers, whose voice is so important in this country. Perhaps we could add one slot to next Wednesday so she could ask her question again.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
Adding another slot somewhere for the repeat of that question is definitely something worth discussing. We will discuss it and get back to the chamber.
The hon. member for Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères on a point of order.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
I want to remind hon. members that when setting up and they know they are either going to ask a question or possibly answer one, to hook up where the ISP is solid so everyone can hear and it does not damage the ears of translators. It is a courtesy of which I want to remind all the members.
View Martin Champoux Profile
BQ (QC)
View Martin Champoux Profile
2021-06-01 14:53
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. To add insult to injury, there was no French interpretation coming through the headset; it must have gotten lost in the woods.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
I am going to ask the hon. minister to try answering that again. We did not get the translation because of the quality of the sound. Again, the question is on the transmission quality. I will let him try again.
View Carol Hughes Profile
NDP (ON)
I would ask the hon. member for Courtenay—Alberni to make sure his microphone is off.
The hon. member for Vancouver East has one minute to finish her speech.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
I must interrupt the member. Someone has forgotten to mute their microphone.
I now invite the member to repeat his question.
The member for Burnaby South.
View Mark Gerretsen Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order rising out of question period. I know we tried to address this issue during question period, but we continue to have members who are participating virtually interjecting into the debate and making comments, which is making it extremely difficult for members who are participating virtually to participate. I know that on at least one occasion it was the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan. He has routinely been called out by you or the Chair occupant at the time to discontinue this practice.
I would encourage you to ensure, by whatever means you have possible, Mr. Speaker, that those who are participating virtually have the ability to do so unimpeded by members who are participating in this manner.
View Garnett Genuis Profile
CPC (AB)
Mr. Speaker, if you will indulge me, I will just briefly address the same point, because it is important for members to hear what is at stake in this conversation. Canadians of Asian origin are speaking out about the impact of—
An hon. member: This is not a point of order, Mr. Speaker.
Some hon. members: Debate.
Mr. Garnett Genuis: Mr. Speaker, I note that I am being heckled—
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
Order please. I am going to interrupt. It sounds like it is getting into debate, so I am going to leave it there. However, on that note as well, when someone speaks, the Chair usually determines whether it is debate or a point of order. I appreciate the help, but I would like a few seconds to determine what the member is about to say or is saying so we can determine whether it is debate.
While I do appreciate the people shouting out and trying to help, it just makes it very disorderly, which leads us to the point of order from the member for Kingston and the Islands, where, if we are here and someone does interject, it does make it difficult for everyone. This is about respect for each other in the chamber, and that is what I am asking.
View Gérard Deltell Profile
CPC (QC)
View Gérard Deltell Profile
2021-05-26 15:16 [p.7377]
Mr. Speaker, I remind the House that the hon. member for Kingston and the Islands is the one who brought up the participation of the member from Alberta who spoke earlier. I apologize, but I cannot remember his riding name.
If he was called out by the government member, it is perfectly normal and appropriate for him to get a chance to explain himself. That is why I think he should have the floor.
I want to point out that members on the government side are enthusiastic advocates of virtual participation, so they certainly know what they are talking about.
View Kevin Lamoureux Profile
Lib. (MB)
View Kevin Lamoureux Profile
2021-05-26 15:17 [p.7377]
Mr. Speaker, on the same point of order, over the last number of months, I, as have many of my colleagues, tune in virtually and understand what our obligations are. If we want to get the attention of the Chair, we put our hand up and then we wait until we are recognized.
On several occasions during question period, members, and in this case it was the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, intentionally undo the mute button to interject. It is one thing to do it by accident, but it is the same member on several occasions, and there needs to be a consequence—
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
I am going to have to interrupt, because it sounds like we are getting into debate again. The point of order is not interjecting in the chamber. We will deal with that one a little at a time.
Again, I want to remind all members that it is on the individual member's honour that we are in here following the rules. I want to encourage everyone to follow those rules so we can run smoothly.
View Michael Barrett Profile
CPC (ON)
Mr. Speaker, it seems as though, in raising the point, which has been raised before by the member opposite and by the parliamentary secretary to the government House leader, that it is in effect itself an attempt at a commentary or debate or to name and shame particular members, in this case the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan.
However, while that member was responding to that point, the member for Milton and the member for Winnipeg North also took their microphones off mute in the same way that the member for Kingston and the Islands said was inappropriate, and the parliamentary secretary to the government House leader and the member for Kingston and the Islands were seeking for the Chair to sanction the member for doing just that.
I defer always to the judgment of the chair occupant. Perhaps, if there is to be a ruling in the opinion of the Chair, we just ask members to appeal to their honour and the regular traditions and customs of this place and not look to tattletale every time they hear a member engage in what has been a traditional practice in this place for many years.
View Mark Gerretsen Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Speaker, the intent of my rising to indicate this point of order was because of the fact that the particular member has done it repeatedly on a number of occasions. He routinely does this where he interjects. It is not affecting the ability for those in the House to listen to the debate; it is affecting those who are online, because suddenly the entire feed and sound is eliminated and they are unable to hear anything.
The point is that those who are doing this are doing it repeatedly, and I would encourage you, Mr. Speaker, to somehow enforce some kind of rule that would prevent this from continuing to happen.
View Stéphane Lauzon Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, in connection with that same point of order, I would like to note that the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan keeps turning his microphone on and off to interject deliberately and repeatedly.
Interjecting once and being called to order is not the same as repeatedly failing to listen to the Speaker of the House. On this point of order, I would ask that you watch the videos and see how many times the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan has deliberately raised a point of order in the House.
View Garnett Genuis Profile
CPC (AB)
Mr. Speaker, I was, with all due respect, interrupted when I was initially trying to make some comments on this matter. Many members have now intervened with various aspersions about me, and I have been very interested in setting the record straight about some matters of the context. I will be in your hands as to whether I can share that context.
As I was saying before, Canadians of Asian origin are speaking about the impact on their lives of foreign state-backed interference, and this is part of the racism being faced by Asian Canadians. It is the pressure from foreign governments, in particular the Government of China, to deny them of the freedom—
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
I am going to interrupt the hon. member there. Normally when we get up on a point of order—
Some hon. members: Oh, oh!
The Speaker: Can I have the attention of the chamber, please.
Normally when we get up on a point of order, it is because the process was broken. If we are not staying within those parameters, it becomes debate.
I will ask the hon. member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan to go on, but remember that it sounds like he is debating something, and I would like to know the point of order and what was disrespected.
View Garnett Genuis Profile
CPC (AB)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I will try to jump to it, simply in this sense. Fighting racism, which is something I know we all should wish to do, requires us to understand that Canadians are individuals, not extensions of foreign governments, and it is always important to make a distinction.
That is why what the Prime Minister said in question period today was itself deeply racist, because he was failing to make the necessary distinction—
View Bryan May Profile
Lib. (ON)
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
I am sorry, but I am going to have to interrupt. This is becoming a debate; it is not about the process itself. I am going to have to cut the hon. member off.
View Christine Normandin Profile
BQ (QC)
View Christine Normandin Profile
2021-05-14 12:12 [p.7246]
Madam Speaker, there was no interpretation during the last intervention.
View Alexandra Mendès Profile
Lib. (QC)
The translation does not seem to be working. It is working now.
I would ask the member for Cariboo—Prince George to restart his question.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
We had some interference with the hon. member for Souris—Moose Mountain.
I want to remind all the members, if they are not on, to please check to see that their mikes are muted. I know inadvertently they may ruin somebody else's speech, and we do not want to do that in the chamber.
That being said, I will let the hon. member for Souris—Moose Mountain do his over again, if he would like.
View Carol Hughes Profile
NDP (ON)
I have to interrupt. There seems to be someone who has their microphone on. I just want to remind members that, if they do not want their private conversations being heard when they are not meant to be, they should have their microphones off.
It really impacts the House of Commons and the speakers when those microphones are left on. Again, out of respect for members in the House of Commons, I ask those who are joining virtually to please have your microphones off if you are not up to speak.
We will continue with the hon. parliamentary secretary. I do apologize for that interruption.
View Martin Champoux Profile
BQ (QC)
View Martin Champoux Profile
2021-05-11 11:24 [p.7030]
Madam Speaker, I think my colleague's microphone might be positioned incorrectly. Perhaps she could adjust it slightly.
We can hear a lot of noise, and although the interpreters are not complaining about it, it is probably making their job more difficult.
View Alexandra Mendès Profile
Lib. (QC)
View Bill Blair Profile
Lib. (ON)
View Bill Blair Profile
2021-05-11 14:59 [p.7064]
Mr. Speaker, we promised Canadians that we would strengthen gun control in this country and of course the Conservatives have promised the gun lobby they will weaken it.
We brought forward strong legislation. We prohibited weapons that have no place in society and, additionally—
An hon. member: That's a lie, Bill, and you know it.
Hon. Bill Blair: Mr. Speaker, I apologize. I was interrupted by a heckler. I wonder if you might want to address that.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
I will address that. I want to remind hon. members to stay on mute. Heckling online is really not a polite thing to do. It is very unparliamentary. I want remind hon. members of that.
The minister might want to start over so we can get his full answer.
View Carol Hughes Profile
NDP (ON)
There seems to be an issue with the hon. member's microphone, if he could lower his boom a bit more.
The hon. member for Windsor West can continue.
View Bruce Stanton Profile
CPC (ON)
View Bruce Stanton Profile
2021-05-07 10:45 [p.6890]
Order, please. For debate in the House, we only have one member recognized at the time. I will remind hon. members to not activate their microphones to speak over top of a member who has been recognized.
We will go back to the hon. member for Calgary Skyview for the rest of her response. I ask all other hon. members to let her finish her remarks.
The hon. member for Calgary Skyview.
View Marilène Gill Profile
BQ (QC)
View Marilène Gill Profile
2021-05-06 14:36 [p.6799]
Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to point out that the Minister of National Revenue did not have her microphone in place and it was hard to hear her, but I think she realized it at the same time.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
I would like to remind all members to put their microphones in front of their mouths so everyone can hear them. We are all interested in what they have to say.
I invite the hon. Minister of National Revenue to repeat her answer.
View Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe Profile
BQ (QC)
Mr. Speaker, during the exchange between the member for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles and the member for Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, I was hearing noise in the background. Unfortunately, it was hard to understand what was being said.
From what I see on the screen, the member for Scarborough—Guildwood's mike is not muted.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
Our technicians are telling me that the member's microphone is now muted.
The hon. member for Edmonton Strathcona.
View Carol Hughes Profile
NDP (ON)
I am just going to hold the clock for a moment. There seems to be a microphone on. I want to remind members to make sure their mikes are off because it is interfering with House affairs right now.
The hon. deputy leader.
View Bruce Stanton Profile
CPC (ON)
View Bruce Stanton Profile
2021-04-29 11:48 [p.6392]
I would just interrupt the hon. member there. He might have been about to explain something about his headset. I do notice that it is not one that was authorized by the House. Does he have a comment on that?
View Don Davies Profile
NDP (BC)
View Don Davies Profile
2021-04-29 11:49 [p.6392]
I do indeed, Mr. Speaker. You anticipated where I was going. Unfortunately, my Surface Pro is acting up and I cannot connect. The only way I can connect to give my speech is through my phone, and this is the only microphone I have.
View Bruce Stanton Profile
CPC (ON)
View Bruce Stanton Profile
2021-04-29 11:49 [p.6392]
I thank the hon. member. At this point, it does look like we are getting sufficient quality of sound since interpretation, which is our biggest concern, matters. It is acceptable, so we will go ahead with the hon. member for Vancouver Kingsway. I appreciate his efforts to get through these kinds of technical challenges.
The hon. member for Vancouver Kingsway.
View Marie-Hélène Gaudreau Profile
BQ (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I am rising on a point of order.
The interpreters do a wonderful job, but unfortunately, they were unable to properly interpret what the minister was saying because she was not wearing her headset with microphone. Would it be possible to remedy that situation, please?
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
I would ask the minister to repeat what she just said, while wearing her headset, if she has it.
Does the hon. minister have her headset with her?
While that is being taken care of, I want to remind all members that, in order to facilitate the work for our interpreters and everybody else who is listening, it is obligatory to have the headset that is commissioned by the government. A lot of thought went into this, and I want to make sure everything runs smoothly.
The hon. minister.
View Mark Gerretsen Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Speaker, moments ago, during one of the last questions, you indicated it was, to use your words, “obligatory” that members use a proper headset. I am assuming you mean a House of Commons approved headset.
Earlier today during debate, your deputy allowed a member who was using earbuds to proceed. The rationale at the time was that it seemed to be acceptable for the translators. Could you, Mr. Speaker, confirm to the House if it is an absolute requirement to use that headset or if the requirement is that as long as it is sufficiently heard by the translators?
View Blake Richards Profile
CPC (AB)
View Blake Richards Profile
2021-04-29 15:13 [p.6425]
Mr. Speaker, I would like to add to this as well.
It did in fact happen earlier today, and the chair occupant at the time ruled on this, The member for Vancouver Kingsway had technical challenges with his equipment and therefore he used his iPhone, or it was a phone anyway, along with the appropriate earbuds and microphone that went along with that phone. It was on the understanding that the technicians and the interpreters could be heard and understood, and it was allowed.
I certainly would suggest that circumstances like that can arise, and I think when members can be heard and that can be confirmed, they should in fact be allowed to speak. I hope this will be the ruling you will find, Mr. Speaker.
View Anthony Rota Profile
Lib. (ON)
That particular case was brought to my attention earlier and that is exactly what happened. The hon. member had to make a statement and the person in the chair at the time used his judgment. I have three amazing people who are taking those places and I put my faith in their judgment.
I believe it was the right thing to do, and it was done in coordination with the technicians to ensure the interpreters heard everything that was said. Again, everyone has to have their headsets. If there is something wrong, please make a case and hopefully we can work it out so everyone can be on the record.
View Julie Vignola Profile
BQ (QC)
View Julie Vignola Profile
2021-04-28 17:32 [p.6315]
Yes, Madam Speaker, I meant the hon. member for La Pointe-de-l'Île. Thank you very much.
The purpose of this bill has the consensus of the National Assembly of Quebec. Every living premier and every union is calling for the Charter of the French Language to apply to federally regulated businesses. It is the express and unanimous demand of Quebec.
In this debate, I will explain the changes the bill will make. I will provide some current examples of the French fact in Quebec and I will take the liberty of debunking some popular myths.
The bill we are debating today is nothing new. This is the fourth time the Bloc Québécois has introduced such a bill since 2007. When it passes, I hope, it will ensure that the Charter of the French Language is applied to federally regulated businesses operating in Quebec.
In 2007, the former member for Drummond, Pauline Picard, introduced Bill C-482. In 2009, the former member for Joliette, Pierre Paquette, introduced Bill C-307. Lastly, in 2011, the former member for Ahuntsic, Maria Mourani, introduced Bill C-320. Even the NDP has proposed similar legislation, including a bill in 2009 that was introduced by Thomas Mulcair but never debated, and another in 2012, introduced by Robert Aubin, which imposed bilingualism and included the possibility of an exemption for certain businesses by means of government decisions. This last bill may have nothing to do with the Charter of the French Language, but I wanted to stress the efforts made at the time.
Bill C-254 amends the Canada Labour Code to clarify that any federal work, undertaking or business operating in Quebec is subject to the requirements of the Charter of the French Language. It is important to mention that, right now, approximately 33% of these businesses apply the charter voluntarily. However, that means that 67% do not. Tens of thousands of employees in Quebec do not even have access to workplace communications in their first language.
Also, as long as businesses are not legally required to apply the Charter of the French Language, any change in management or managerial vision can mean a decrease in the number of businesses that apply it voluntarily.
Bill C-254 amends the preamble to the Official Languages Act to recognize that French is the official language of Quebec and the common language in Quebec. Here the legislator is clarifying its will and its expectations of the authorities that apply the act.
Bill C-254 also adds to the Official Languages Act a formal undertaking on the part of the federal government not to obstruct the application of the Charter of the French Language. This is a legislative reference, a legal and constitutional measure already applied in various areas, in particular the federal minimum wage, which is set on the basis of the provincial minimum wages. This undertaking not to obstruct the application of the Charter is essential to make federally regulated businesses understand that compliance with the Charter of the French Language is no longer optional in Quebec.
Bill C-254 amends the Canada Business Corporations Act to clarify that the name of a corporation that carries on business in Quebec must meet the requirements of the Charter of the French Language. There is nothing outrageous about that. Many international companies register in the language of the country in which they are doing business. Quebec will simply join the ranks of these countries.
In recent months, we have all heard talk about protecting the French language from the Prime Minister and the Minister of Official Languages, as well as from members of every party. I have also seen many of my colleagues making efforts to learn French, and I would like to thank them for that. After all, learning a new language is never easy at any age.
In November 2020, the Prime Minister said, “we recognize that, in order for Canada to be bilingual, Quebec must first and foremost be francophone. That is why we support Bill 101 in what it does for Quebec”.
He says the Liberals support Bill 101, but to translate those words into action, they would have to allow it to be modernized and applied as is to all institutions and businesses in Quebec. His statement highlights a trend I have noticed. Until now, a bilingual Canada has mainly meant francophones and allophones learning English and anglophones speaking English. The rate of bilingualism in Quebec is around 44%. It is the highest rate in Canada, which bears out my observation.
The members of the House may think I am exaggerating, and that is their right. I will, however, share a few examples from everyday life. Forty-four per cent of federal public servants are reluctant to speak French because they feel uncomfortable. They think that it might upset their anglophone colleagues or hurt their chances of promotion.
Even today, in both private and professional life, if there is just one anglophone at a meeting, that meeting will take place in English, regardless of the number of francophones present. There is a word for this, and that word is hegemony.
In recent months, I have seen members roll their eyes when another member rises on a point of order because there was a problem with interpretation into French. However, I have never seen members roll their eyes when another member rises on a point of order because there is a problem with interpretation into English. Do not get me wrong, I am not playing the victim. I am simply describing situations that some of my colleagues may not have noticed. I am just pointing out something that may appear trivial but that is a reality experienced at various levels in many different settings by francophones, both in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada.
Incidentally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the translators and interpreters for their amazing work and excellent service.
I am going to ask my colleagues to use their imagination. I want them to imagine that they are going to attend a meeting in their riding. If 10 anglophones and one francophone attend this meeting, which language will they speak? Chances are it will be English.
However, in Quebec, when 10 francophones and one anglophone attend a meeting, English will be spoken most of the time even if most of the people attending are French. Why is that? I am not going to speculate as to why my fellow Quebeckers automatically react in this way. It may be out of courtesy or the remnants of a not-so-distant era where workers were told to speak English if they wanted to keep their jobs. I am thinking of the infamous and very nasty phrase, “speak white”, which we unfortunately still hear today. I recently read the following on social media: You lost the war. Deal with it. Assimilate. That is a daily occurrence, sadly.
Recognition of the importance of promoting the use of French must come from all sides, including citizens, businesses and also all levels of government.
I now want to dispel certain very persistent myths. A few years ago, we heard it on the streets and now we are reading it on social media. According to the first myth, by introducing this bill, the Bloc Québécois wants to eliminate English culture in Quebec outright because it hates anglophones.
Anglophone culture is not under threat, neither in Quebec nor elsewhere in Canada or America. In fact, it is omnipresent; no efforts need be made to access it. Communicating in French in the workplace will never prevent anglophones from speaking English.
Wanting to protect the French language does not imply hating English. I would like to make an analogy, although a somewhat poor one. Suppose I like lynxes because I find them beautiful. Lynxes are iconic animals of our extraordinary boreal forest, but there are not many of them. In the boreal forest, there are also caribou and moose. If I like lynxes, does that mean I hate caribou and moose and that I wish they would disappear? No. The same goes for my language. I love it, but that does not mean that I want all other languages to disappear from the world.
I will paraphrase the words of Pierre Bourgault. Fighting to protect the French language means fighting to protect all languages from the hegemony of a single one, whichever one it may be.
The second persistent myth is that applying the Charter of the French Language will cause Quebec to turn inward, that it will no longer be able to communicate with the rest of the world and that its economy will collapse.
To demonstrate the irrationality of this myth, did speaking Russian, Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese or any other language cause those countries to turn inward and cause their economies to collapse? Of course not. In trade relations and at international summits, companies and politicians manage to get by, particularly thanks to interpreters, who do an excellent job.
The third myth is that the Bloc Québécois is being selfish and not standing in solidarity with Franco-Canadians and Acadians by demanding that the Charter of the French Language apply to businesses located in Quebec. On the contrary, promoting the French language in Quebec will encourage francophones across Canada to not be afraid to assert their own rights.
The fourth and final myth, at least for today, is that the bill is unconstitutional because Quebec cannot impose French as the official language given that Canada is bilingual.
In fact, the only officially bilingual province is New Brunswick. Quebec is francophone, and all the others are anglophone. The bill is constitutional, and it respects and promotes constitutional standards pertaining to languages. It does not violate the division of powers in our federation. On the contrary, it seeks to take advantage of one of Quebec's assets, its unique status as a francophone province, and benefits will undoubtedly accrue to other Franco-Canadian and Acadian communities.
In a nutshell, Bill C-254 will ensure consistency of word and deed in Quebec and across Canada. The bill officially recognizes the incalculable value of the French language, so it encourages people to feel at ease speaking French. This bill will support interpersonal and intercultural exchange by sending a clear message that Canada endorses the application of the Charter of the French Language to federally regulated businesses. It delivers on statements made by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Official Languages in recent months.
This bill will encourage Quebeckers of all ages, regardless of how many generations their families have lived in Quebec, to feel confident about using Quebec's common language, French, at work.
I would like to leave my colleagues with this thought. When we love someone, we take special care of that person. We build them up, help them through tough times, congratulate them when things go well and celebrate their successes. The same applies to the French language. Taking care of it is like loving someone. French is who we are. It is our culture. Let us take care of it.
View Alexandra Mendès Profile
Lib. (QC)
Is it working now?
Do we have interpretation?
An hon. member: Yes.
The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès): The hon. member for Kingston and the Islands.
View Denis Trudel Profile
BQ (QC)
View Denis Trudel Profile
2021-04-26 12:01 [p.6133]
Madam Speaker, there seems to be a problem with the interpretation. We cannot hear what my hon. colleague is saying at the moment.
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