LANG Committee News Release

for immediate release

News Release

OTTAWA, July 29, 2002 – The Standing Joint Committee on Official Languages has favourably received the June 5^th decision published by the Honourable Mr. Justice John O’Keefe of the Federal Court of Canada in the Quigley v. Canada (House of Commons) case, docket number T-2395-00.

In his ruling, the judge ruled in favour of Mr. Louis Quigley, a Canadian citizen of New Brunswick, who was unable to obtain the complete televised debates of the House of Commons in his mother tongue. 

In his ruling, Mr. Justice O’Keefe said: “I do not see the House’s privilege over the publication of its debates arising in this case.”

Furthermore, the judge ruled that the House of Commons contravenes its linguistic obligations as stated in Article 25 of the Official Languages Act, because it does not ensure that the debates are broadcast in both official languages.

            The Committee stands in solidarity with Mr. Quigley and believes that the O’Keefe decision confirms the fundamental right of Canadians to have access to the debates of the House of Commons in both official languages of Canada.

            The Committee regrets that the Board of Internal Economy of the House of Commons has decided to appeal the O’Keefe decision.

            Finally, the Committee is considering the possibility of seeking intervener status in this case.

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