Senator Gold: Indeed, thank you for your question. I have the resources, and I use those resources. I shall continue to endeavour to get you those answers.

Hon. Percy E. Downe: Senator Bellemare, I’m concerned about proposed rule 1-1(3) and why the provision says “may” rather than “shall.” Colleagues, I will take a moment to read it out, as it is a short section. It reads:

If a provision of these Rules or a practice of the Senate constitutes a barrier to a senator’s full and equal participation in proceedings solely due to a disability, as defined in the Accessible Canada Act, the Speaker, or the chair of a committee, may authorize reasonable adjustments to the application of the rule or practice.

Why does that not read “shall” so that the senator can have full and equal participation?

[Translation]

Senator Bellemare: Thank you for the question, Senator Downe.

The French version states, “le Président du Sénat ou le président d’un comité peut autoriser.” Regarding the proposal drafted by the clerks, it is my understanding that, as it stands, it is fully at the discretion of the Speaker that minor adjustments are made. The Speaker already does that, but it’s not written in the rules. Considering the debates we had on the accessibility bill, we thought it was appropriate to include in the rules that the Speaker has permission, or has the authority, to make provisions and adjustments to ensure participation. The word “peut” was used in French in the context that this is what the Speaker already does. We didn’t go any further than that. That’s the only answer I can give.

I can’t ask the clerk why they used “shall” in English, which means the same thing as “peut” in French. Isn’t it the same thing? It means “must.” That’s a good question, if it’s not the same as in English, of course. I have here the French version of the changes to the Rules. Someone will get back to you on that.

[English]