Senator Audette: Yes.

You know, before joining the Senate, I observed everyone in this chamber with a great deal of passion. There is the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Many of you wondered whether this bill met the test of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. If not, how can we ensure that a commissioner of Indigenous languages can also collaborate with the Commissioner of Official Languages so that, in certain provinces, the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages also has some power? I know that we are talking about Bill C-13, but I would have liked to see some parallels or important relationships. I imagine we will be able to discuss it as part of this study. As a jurist, you mentioned it, and you may have some advice to give us.

Senator Audette: Thank you very much, Senator Gold.

This is a very emotional topic for me, but I believe that you will understand that Innu-aimun is also an official language in my heart. My other half, my Quebec half, reminds me that it is important to also protect French throughout Canada.

It is my Innu half that will ask you a question, Senator Gold.

Quebec has nations, chiefs and also the First Nations Education Council, which has 22 First Nation member communities. They are currently suing over the Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec, and have filed an application for judicial review to defend their position on the act. This will have direct consequences for education in our schools and our communities. I would like you to comment on the following scenario, as it frightens me. I am not a legal expert, but when I see a bill that becomes law and that specifically mentions a provincial charter or law, I wonder if that government can say, “Now, the federal government gives you full recognition, so I’m sorry, but you are covered by the Official Languages Act, and one of those languages is French.” I am speaking on behalf of Quebec’s First Peoples.

Hon. Michèle Audette: Would Senator Gold take a question?