LANG Committee Report

SUPPLEMENTARY OPINIONS

Conservative Party of Canada

The Conservatives would like to thank the members of the Standing Committee on Official Languages, staff, analysts, and witnesses who participated in the study: Challenges to Parliamentary Interpretation in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The pandemic has hit Canada hard and has forced Canadians to face new challenges. The House of Commons, too, had to adapt to new realities and operate virtually. The shortage of interpreters and the virtual translation of House of Commons sittings and committees have worsened the situation of interpreters and their health at work. It should be noted that since the pandemic, interpreters have been working in conditions that can worsen their health and affect the quality of their work.

Subsequently, the Conservatives believe that it is necessary to allow the committee and the House of Commons greater flexibility in summoning guests and witnesses. With modern technology and the quality of service we have with the Canadian postal service, committee staff have sufficient time within 48 hours to send and test the soundings necessary for the proper functioning of committees. Also, the Conservatives believe that it is necessary to be cautious about technology, such as microphones or headsets. Technology and computer techniques are increasing rapidly, and it is important to give administrations room to manoeuvre in order to remain flexible when changing equipment. Equipment such as headsets can quickly become outdated in the future and standards can also evolve, so it is important that the House is able to change technology quickly to ensure a quality service and to ensure the functioning of interpreting, but also for the health of interpreters. In conclusion, the Conservatives propose two amendments to two recommendations in the report: Challenges to the Parliamentary Interpretation Service in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Recommendation 2

That the House of Commons and its committees give themselves at least 48 hours to ensure connectivity testing and the provision of equipment for full participation in committee by all witnesses, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Recommendation 3

That the House of Commons Administration adopt a rule stipulating

• a) That, during virtual or hybrid meetings, Members of Parliament must wear a high-quality headset with an ISO-compliant microphone or any equivalent system provided by the House of Commons Administration, failing which their right to speak will not be recognized in the House of Commons and in parliamentary committees;
• b) That, during virtual or hybrid meetings, witnesses called to appear before parliamentary committees must wear the above-mentioned headset, or any equivalent ISO-compliant system approved by the House, failing which it will be up to the committee to decide whether or not to hear the witness without the appropriate equipment.