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Committee Profile Standing Committee on Official Languages (LANG) – 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session

Emmanuel Dubourg (Chair), LPC

Issues: N/A

Terry Duguid, LPC

Issues: Gender equality; Bilingualism in the Public Service; Efficiency of the Translation System

Marie-France Lalonde, LPC

Issues: French speaking communities in Ontario; Technological tools

Soraya Martinez Ferrada, LPC

Issues: Bilingualism in the public Service; Modernization of the Official Languages Act

Patricia Lattanzio, LPC

Issues: English speaking communities; Education; Official Language Minority Communities; Linguistic asymmetry; Linguistic insecurity

René Arsenault (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Official Languages)), LPC

Issues: Gascon judgment; Justice Court Challenges; Fed-Prov. Cooperation; Recommendation by the Commissioner of Official Languages; Modernization of the Official Languages Act

Steven Blaney (Vice-Chair), CPC

Issues: Modernization of the Official Languages Act; Aid to publishers; Language of work; Status of French in Canada; CBC/Radio-Canada and simultaneous interpretation

John Williamson, CPC

Issues: Linguistic situation in New-Brunswick

Joël Godin, CPC

Issues: Broadcasting; Institutional bilingualism

Marc Dalton, CPC

Issues: Bilingual governmental services – Service Canada; Western Canada

Mario Beaulieu (Vice-Chair), BQ

Issues: Institutional bilingualism; Sufficient knowledge of French for immigrants; Governance; Decline of French in Québec; Funding of French Media; Linguistic asymmetry

Alexandre Boulerice, NDP

Issues: Broadcasting; Arts and cultural sector; CBC/Radio-Canada’s mandate; French in the Public Service; Indigenous communities

Biographies

Emmanuel Dubourg, LPC (Chair)

Emmanuel Dubourg, LPC (Chair)

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant with an Executive Master of Business Administration, Emmanuel Dubourg was a manager in the federal public service for 20 years. An international tax and audit consultant, as well as a guest speaker, he taught at several institutions before making the jump first to Quebec politics and then to federal politics. In 2017, he celebrated his 10th year of political life.

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Terry Duguid, LPC

Terry Duguid, LPC

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Terry Duguid was first elected as a Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South in 2015.

With a diverse background in civic government, business, and environmental leadership, Mr. Duguid has shown a strong commitment to public service throughout his career. In 1997, he founded Sustainable Developments International, a firm specializing in environmental management, sustainable development, transportation, and international affairs consulting. In 2000, he was named Chairman of the Manitoba Clean Environment Commission, and, in 2004, he became President and CEO of the International Centre for Infectious Diseases, a non-profit research organization he helped to create.

In addition to his professional career, Mr. Duguid has devoted considerable time and effort to his community. He served as Executive Director of the Manitoba Climate Change Task Force in 2001, as Chair of the Nature Task Force in 2003, and as a member of the Manitoba Emissions Trading Task Force in 2004.

Mr. Duguid has a lifelong interest in science and its role in the betterment of society. He earned first-class honours while obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, and holds a Master of Environmental Design degree focused on tackling the crucial issues of water quality, ozone depletion, and acid rain.

He and his wife Linda have two daughters.

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Marie-France Lalonde, LPC

Marie-France Lalonde, LPC

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Marie-France Lalonde represented the riding of Orléans as Member of provincial parliament from 2014 to 2019 for the Liberal Party of Ontario. She served as Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, and as Minister of Francophone Affairs. She was previously Minister of Government and Consumer Services. Prior to that, she was Chief Government Whip, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, focusing on economic development, and to the Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.

With a degree in social work from the University of Québec in Hull, she put her leadership and skills to work in a career that began at the Children's Aid Society, followed by the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Hospital.

Throughout the last decade, Lalonde continued her career in caring for people and became the coowner and executive director of the Portobello Manor retirement residence in Orléans. Lalonde opened Portobello Manor in 2008 to not only effect change in the community but to address a growing need for long-term and senior care. During her career at the Portobello Manor, Lalonde’s work and passion in senior care led to her receiving the 2010 New Business of the Year Award from the Orléans Chamber of Commerce.

Along with her career in social work, Lalonde has served on the Community Advisory Committee for the Champlain Community Access Centre and was part of the working group on affordable housing for seniors with the United Way. Lalonde also served as Vice-President of CARP Ottawa, where she continued her advocacy for seniors and senior care.

Marie-France Lalonde, a proud Franco-Ontarian, is a community leader who has lived in Orléans for 20 years now with her husband Alvaro and daughter Monica.

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Soraya Martinez Ferrada, LPC

Soraya Martinez Ferrada, LPC

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Soraya Martinez Ferrada was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Hochelaga in 2019.

A resident of the east end of Montréal since she came to Canada in 1980, Ms. Martinez Ferrada has deep roots in the community.

For over twenty years, she has gained experience in communications and project development through her involvement in community, cultural, and political action. She created the very first cultural and socio-professional integration program at TOHU, a unique example of sustainable development in Montréal.

Ms. Martinez Ferrada was involved in municipal politics for more than 10 years. In 2005, she was elected as a city councilor for Saint-Michel and was appointed to the Executive Committee as the Associate Advisor for Culture. From 2015 to 2018, she served as Chief of Staff and senior advisor to the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

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Patricia Lattanzio, LPC

Patricia Lattanzio, LPC

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Patricia R. Lattanzio is the mother of three young adults and a community leader in the riding of Saint-Léonard, where she has lived since early childhood.

Patricia has served as a municipal councillor for the district of Saint-Léonard-Est, and she is very familiar with the challenges and priorities of her borough.

Patricia holds a Bachelor of Laws from the Université du Québec à Montréal, a certificate in law from the Université de Montréal and an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from McGill University. She is a lawyer and a member of the Quebec Bar Association. She has practised in the field of civil law for 29 years.

She was first elected in a by-election in November 2015 and was re-elected for a second term in the November 2017 municipal elections. Upon taking office, Patricia was given responsibilities in the municipal administration. In the borough of Saint-Léonard, Patricia is currently Chair of the Standing Committee on Public Works, Infrastructure, Parks and Urban Forestry, and Chair of the Standing Committee on Planning, Environment, Environmental Quality and Economic Development. She is also the elected official responsible for policies to assist children.

At Montreal City Hall, she has served as Vice-President of the Commission on the Inspector General and also as Official Opposition Critic for Road and Water Infrastructure, Electrical Services, and Legal Affairs.

In addition to being a councillor, Ms. Lattanzio has also served her community as a trustee of the English Montreal School Board since 2007 and as Chair of the Comité de gestion de la taxe scolaire de l'île de Montréal since 2014.

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House of Commons Committees

Member of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (43-2 Parliament)

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René Arseneault, LPC

René Arseneault, LPC

Biography (from the political party’s website)

René Arseneault is the Member of Parliament for Madawaska—Restigouche (New Brunswick). He is a member of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, and also sat on the Special Joint Committee on Physician-Assisted Dying.

A lifelong resident of the riding of Madawaska—Restigouche, René has a deep-understanding of local issues and the interests of his fellow residents. Fully bilingual, he now wants to be the voice that defends his community in the House of Commons.

A lawyer specializing in corporate law and civil litigation for more than 20 years, René established his own practice in 1996 with his spouse, Michèle Pelletier. He is also a singer-songwriter who in 1989 won the Prix du public [people’s choice award] at the Gala de la chanson de Caraquet.

René has been involved in his community for over 25 years. In addition to providing pro bono legal services, René sat on the board of directors for numerous non-profit organizations, and is quick to share his artistic talents at fundraisers for community organizations. He co-founded the Balmoral Economic Development Association, Fondation École Régionale BDES inc. and Coopérative Radio Restigouche ltée – which he currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors. René has also been involved in youth sports development, specifically as a soccer and volleyball coach and assistant coach, and as a volunteer at the Jeux de l’Acadie.

René holds a BSocSc – with a major in Economics and a minor in Political Science – and an LLB from Université de Moncton.

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House of Commons Committees

Member of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (42-1 Parliament)

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Hon. Steven Blaney, CPC (Vice-Chair)

Hon. Steven Blaney, CPC (Vice-Chair)

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Steven Blaney was born in Sherbrooke and he grew up in Sainte-Marie-de-Beauce. Steven lives in Lévis, and he’s married to Marie Bouchard, they have two kids, William-Antoine and Alexandra. He graduated from Sherbrooke University and became a civil engineer in 1988 and he completed a Master’s Degree in Business Administration in Lévis in 2002.

After he completed his studies, he’s worked as a consultant, an entrepreneur developing urban infrastructure and environmental technology. Steven has been an active member of the most important group of environment professionals in in Canada, ‘’Réseau Environnement’’, and he presided over the Chapter of Québec-Chaudière-Appalaches from 2003 to 2006.

Elected for the first time to the House of Commons in 2006, he was re-elected in 2008 and in 2011 as MP for Bellechasse–Les Etchemins–Lévis. Steven Blaney wants to contribute to the sustainable development of his riding. He’s proud to represent such a dynamic and diversified community, and he dedicates himself with passion to the service of his constituents.

Following his first election, Steven Blaney was appointed Vice-President of the Quebec Conservative Caucus. In October 2008, he became the President. He was a member of several House Committees including; Indian Affairs, Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. Given how important the Afghanistan Mission was, Steven joined the Defence Committee and participated on a trip to Kandahar in January 2006. On May 31th, 2007, Steven Blaney was given the responsibility to preside over The Standing Committee on Official Languages aimed at promoting linguistic duality everywhere in the country. Steven was also a member of the Canada-France Interparliamentary Association.

Following the 2011 elections, Steven Blaney was appointed Veterans Affairs Minister. In February 2013, he received the additional responsibility of ‘’La Francophonie’’. In July 2013, Steven Blaney becomes Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister.

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John Williamson, CPC

John Williamson, CPC

Biography (from the political party’s website)

John Williamson has over 20 years of experience in public policy research. He was the Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest until 2015. Prior to his election to the House of Commons in 2011, Mr. Williamson worked as the Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister.

In 2016, Williamson launched Canadians for Affordable Energy to promote the benefits of energy affordability. He was National Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) from January 2004 to September 2008, and CTF Ontario Director from September 2002 to December 2003. He has also worked for the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies, is a past Fellow with the Manning Centre for Building Democracy and Senior Fellow with the Fraser Institute.

Williamson is a former National Post editorial writer and founding member of the newspaper’s editorial board. He graduated from McGill University with a bachelor’s degree and earned a master’s degree in economic history from the London School of Economics.

John is married to Commander Kelly Williamson, RCN, and splits his time between their home in Saint Andrews and wherever Kelly is serving (except the dangerous deployments).

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Joël Godin, CPC

Joël Godin, CPC

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Joël worked in the communications field, and was director of sales at FM93, CITF and TQS, to name a few. He started his company, AJC Communication inc., in the fall of 2008, capitalizing on his leadership abilities.

He then worked for Louis-Hébert MLA Sam Hamad, first as his political advisor in his office as Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region and then, as manager of his constituency office.

His interest in municipal and provincial politics and his deep attachment to his community led to his involvement and work with a number of organizations, groups and people. He sat on a number of boards including the Québec Winter Carnaval, Laval University’s Rouge et Or golf club, the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada, Fondation Sourdine, as well as on a number of sports associations and groups where his children were participants.

His political experience, his experience dealing with people in a variety of contexts and his skills in the communications field provided him with the necessary tools to well represent his riding of Portneuf–Jacques-Cartier and defend its interests. He works on behalf of its citizens, organizations and institutions and as a former business owner, he knows that a region’s economic prosperity starts with the individuals who live there, investing their time and money.

Joël Godin and his family have lived in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures for nearly 20 years. As someone who has been and continues to be actively engaged in his region, he knows its issues very well. This is why you can count on him to shine a light on the 28 municipalities that make up the magnificent constituency of Portneuf–Jacques-Cartier.

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Marc Dalton, CPC

Marc Dalton, CPC

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Marc is a high school teacher who has served two terms as a Member of the Legislative Assembly advocating for his constituents. Marc was raised in a Royal Canadian Air Force family. He also served in the Canadian Armed Forces and is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 88. Marc is Indigenous (Métis) and was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Relations in one of his portfolios. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in French and History and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, both from Simon Fraser University.

On his mother’s side, Marc is French-Canadian and speaks the language. He was designated President of the non-partisan Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie and was the Legislative representative for British Columbia’s Francophones at both provincial and national events. Since his youth, Marc has volunteered for non-profit organizations such as with our local food bank and the Salvation Army as an outflow of his desire to support people. He is active in his local community church and is a former pastor.

Marc is proud of his public record standing up for residents and getting things accomplished locally and provincially: a new school in Albion, four-laning of Highway 7 between Maple Ridge and Mission, funding for many local organizations, housing for low-income seniors, an MRI machine for Ridge Meadows Hospital, more ambulances, a fitness tax break for families with children, restoration of school-busing and the list goes on. Marc is known for his tenacity and genuine concern for people. Marc gets things done and his years of experience as an MLA will help him to more effectively serve the residents of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows as a Conservative Member of Parliament.

Marc has been married to his wife Marlene for thirty-four years. They have three adult children.

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Mario Beaulieu, BQ (Vice-Chair)

Mario Beaulieu, BQ (Vice-Chair)

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Elected leader of the party in 2014, Mr. Beaulieu again occupied the leadership of the Bloc Québécois as interim leader during the fall 2018 session, then as parliamentary leader designated by Yves-François Blanchet upon his arrival at the head of the left. He is the Bloc Québécois critic for official languages and immigration. During his tenure, Mr. Beaulieu introduced Bill C-421 to make sufficient knowledge of French a condition for obtaining citizenship in Quebec, which had stirred controversy among federalist parties. He carried various other issues related to the protection and promotion of the French language. He also worked hard for people without Haitian origin who were threatened with deportation to a Port-au-Prince in crisis. Mr. Beaulieu also worked to forge ties with cultural communities, particularly the Palestinian and Kabyle communities, in addition to establishing a local citizenship ceremony to welcome the new arrivals. Mario Beaulieu has been campaigning in the independence movement for 30 years

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42nd Parliament, 1st Session

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Alexandre Boulerice, NDP

Alexandre Boulerice, NDP

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Alexandre Boulerice was born and raised in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, on the South Shore of Montreal.

After his college education, he moved to Montreal to do a bachelor's degree in sociology at the University of Montreal. He then pursued studies in political science at UQAM and began a master's degree at McGill University.

After graduation, he worked as a journalist-editor for the LCN news channel. Shortly after, he moved to the TVA newsroom, where he began to get involved in his union. Developing a taste for social engagement, he left journalism to work in a community group, the Union des Ouvriers Accidentés de Montréal (UTTAM).

For almost a year, he helped people fighting to have their rights respected. He then worked as a communications advisor for CUPE, the union that represents TVA employees for nine years.

His activism with the NDP dates back to the late 1990s. In 2008, he ran for the first time as a candidate for Jack Layton's team in Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie.

In 2011, the NDP won a historic victory in Quebec. Alexandre is elected with more than 50% of the votes. He officially becomes "Monsieur le député," a nickname that makes him smile, because he still considers himself the same man, with the same sense of social commitment and the same desire to help his fellow citizens.

Thanks to his background as a communicator, Alexandre quickly established himself as a formidable speaker in the House of Commons and a respected parliamentarian. He was given important responsibilities, as the Official Opposition critic for labor and for Canada Post, and also as deputy critic for ethics.

The latter role has kept him particularly busy during the many scandals that marked Stephen Harper's reign, such as the Senate scandal, the robotic phone call scandal, the Conservative election spending scandal and the embezzlement of G20 money.

In 2015, he was re-elected with 49.2% of the votes. He was quickly appointed lieutenant of the NDP in Quebec. Then in January 2018, he took on the role of spokesperson for the environment and climate change.

In March 2019, he was appointed deputy party leader by Jagmeet Singh. His new role leads him to put important issues for Quebec at the center of the NDP's concerns.

Every day, he stresses the importance of giving back financial means to the middle class, of building a greener and more prosperous world. As a representative of Rosemont - La Petite-Patrie, his first concern is to fight against cynicism and encourage citizens to get involved in their community.

Once his day as an MP is over, he returns to his role as a father: with four children at home, there's no shortage of action!

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