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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 196

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
May 12, 2023 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 196 - May/12/23
Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor
  • May/12/23 10:19:14 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his questions and his work on the Standing Committee on Official Languages. I think that co-operation really is key. We understand just how important our two official languages are to our beautiful country, and we can always do more. That is why we introduced an ambitious and robust bill. We often speak about stakeholders across the country. In recent months, the FCFA and many other stakeholders have asked us to pass this bill as soon as possible. They have also said publicly that it is a very good bill. With regard to the question about the Treasury Board, we made absolutely sure that the Treasury Board will play the role of coordinator for the act. In last fall's economic statement, we put money aside to ensure that the Treasury Board has the resources it needs to do its job. Let us also look at the matter of francophone immigration. I think that we were very clear in our bill that we want to ensure that we have a robust francophone immigration policy with targets, indicators and so on. Once again, we recognize that francophone immigration is very important to compensate for the demographic loss in this country. In addition to introducing this bill, we have made historic investments of $4.1 billion in the action plan, and that includes $137 million for francophone immigration. However, I do have a question for my hon. Conservative colleague. Will the Conservatives finally support Bill C‑13? The Bloc Québécois, the NDP and the province of Quebec say that it is a good bill. I hope my colleague will answer. Will they support it, yes or no?
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Context: House Hansard - 196 - May/12/23
Mr. Joël Godin (Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, CPC)
  • May/12/23 1:12:04 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I have a quick question for my colleague. I was asking her about rights holders earlier. Now I have a question about the Treasury Board. The FCFA, which represents several organizations across Canada, asked that the Treasury Board be extended to the entire legislation. Why did my colleague vote with the Liberals again in the NDP-Liberal coalition?
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Context: House Hansard - 196 - May/12/23
Ms. Niki Ashton
  • May/12/23 1:12:29 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, first I would say that this is not the time to give a course on Canadian politics. The NDP is not in a coalition with anyone. I know that is the message Conservatives like to use to raise funds, but it is not true. I believe that the FCFA's statement is clear about the fact that they are very pleased with the final bill. The federation certainly fought hard, and we all collaborated to advance their priorities. I am proud that we were able to improve the bill by giving more powers to the Treasury Board. As I said, this bill is a big step forward. Clearly, we will have to continue our work to meet the objectives of the bill and invest in what our communities need to protect French and official language minority communities. Finally, I would add that I appreciate that my colleague is raising this priority with respect to the bill, but I have many concerns about the Conservative leader, who talks a lot about cutting funding to Radio-Canada, an organization that is vital to the protection of French, especially in western Canada. I have concerns about the Conservative leadership, and I question why they do not want to protect French in minority situations in various ways.
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