Official Languages

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Official Languages met for its first meeting of the session to elect its chair and vice-chairs. The clerk presided over the elections. Louis Villeneuve nominated Yvan Baker for chair, and the motion was carried. Jim Bélanger nominated Joël Godin for first vice-chair, and Madeleine Chenette nominated Mario Beaulieu for second vice-chair; both motions were carried unanimously.

Following the elections, members discussed the procedure for adopting routine motions. Joël Godin proposed adopting all motions at once, noting it was common practice in other committees. Mario Beaulieu initially suggested reading them one by one but agreed to the group adoption after being assured it was established practice. The committee then adopted the routine motions as a group.

Before adjourning, several members offered remarks. Joël Godin urged the committee to maintain a high level of camaraderie and respect, transcending partisanship as in past sessions. Mario Beaulieu and Louis Villeneuve echoed these sentiments, with Beaulieu noting that only a few members had served on the committee in the previous Parliament. The committee concluded its business without any unresolved matters.