SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 196

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
May 12, 2023 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 196 - May/12/23
Mr. Mario Beaulieu (La Pointe-de-l'Île, BQ)
  • May/12/23 1:09:43 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her co-operation and work on the Standing Committee on Official Languages. I would like to know if she considers Quebec to be a nation with French as its official and common language, and if she recognizes Quebec's right to self-determination. If so, does she think it is okay for the federal government to swoop in and spend hundreds of millions of dollars in areas of Quebec's jurisdiction to support English?
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Context: House Hansard - 196 - May/12/23
Ms. Niki Ashton
  • May/12/23 1:10:19 p.m.
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  • Re: Bill C-13 
Mr. Speaker, yes, we recognize the Quebec nation. It was very important for us to work with the Government of Quebec in developing Bill C‑13. We were very happy to learn that an agreement had been signed between the Government of Quebec and the federal government to advance shared priorities. It is obvious that such an agreement is crucial to ensure Quebec's self-determination in many key areas, and that the federal government must be a part of the solution to protect the French language and stand up for official language minority communities. From the beginning of the debate on Bill C‑13, I have been very clear in saying that French is in decline. We see it here, in western Canada, and we know that it is obviously the case in Quebec. The federal government must keep this in mind not only in the context of this bill, but also, more specifically, when it invests and plans for the future.
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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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