Hon. Renée Dupuis: Senator Cormier, I have a question related to the one posed by Senator Mockler.

Do you think that the study of this type of bill could be shared by more than one Senate committee, for example, the Committee on Official Languages and perhaps the Legal Affairs Committee? Do you think it would it be possible to split the study of this bill, as we have done on other occasions?

Senator Cormier: Thank you for your question, Senator Mockler.

Obviously, as I said in my speech, I believe that this issue must be debated in committee.

I would first turn to colleagues like Senator Dalphond, who is certainly better equipped to understand the constitutional complexity of this issue, but I strongly believe that there are constitutional issues that affect the feasibility of the bill. If we want to require the lieutenant-governors of New Brunswick to speak both official languages, we need to address some issues — I spoke about them briefly — so it would be a good idea to examine the bill in committee.

My simple answer to your question is yes, I think this deserves to be examined in committee by experts who can enlighten us about the constitutional issues with this bill.

Which committee? I am not sure at this point whether the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages would be best equipped to do it, but it would obviously be up to the chamber to decide where to send this bill. However, I believe that it should be examined in the context of the Constitution of Canada.

Hon. Percy Mockler: First, Senator Cormier, coming as you do from New Brunswick, you have given an excellent presentation of the challenges we face today, and I congratulate you on your fine speech.

I would be remiss if I did not also acknowledge Senator Audette’s comments on another chapter for improving the lives of Canadians.

My question is about the bill in question, and I need your help here, Senator Cormier. What vehicle would be the best and most appropriate way to move forward on such an issue with greater clarity?

For instance, should we refer it to committee, or should we wait until the bill to modernize the Official Languages Act is introduced and include it in another debate? This might allow us to more fully examine some of what Senator Audette raised as well as some of the things in your presentation.