Discussion · Oral Questions
Xavier Barsalou-Duval Bloc Québécois
“The government is cutting the number of House interpreters by 25 percent to save money. This ignores the rights of French speakers. The government found 40 billion dollars for a pipeline, so it can afford interpreters. I want the minister to reverse this decision.”
“Madam Speaker, it is disheartening that French is still treated as an inconvenience in Ottawa. Cutting the number of interpreters in the House by 25% shows disregard for the rights of francophones, all in the name of saving a few bucks. The same Liberals who have $40 billion to invest in a pipeline should not expect us to believe that they cannot afford to pay translators. Francophones are not second-class citizens. It is disappointing to see a minister from Quebec leading the charge on this. Will he reconsider and stand up for our interpreters and our rights?”
Official Hansard
Madam Speaker, it is disheartening that French is still treated as an inconvenience in Ottawa. Cutting the number of interpreters in the House by 25% shows disregard for the rights of francophones, all in the name of saving a few bucks. The same Liberals who have $40 billion to invest in a pipeline should not expect us to believe that they cannot afford to pay translators. Francophones are not second-class citizens. It is disappointing to see a minister from Quebec leading the charge on this. Will he reconsider and stand up for our interpreters and our rights?