Senate QP: Joly is all about consulting

Posted on by

This week’s ministerial Senate Question Period was hosting special guest star Mélanie Joly, minister of Canadian heritage and official languages. Senator Plett led off, raising the issue of the the request by CBC for an additional $400 million to go ad-free, demanding to know her response. Joly didn’t answer directly, talking about the consultations that she was undertaking around the disruption happening in the media sector thanks in large part to technological change, and the CBC submitted their request, which would be considered as part of a new digital policy toolkit. Plett then asked about restoring cuts that the Conservatives made to CBC, citing a Senate report saying that they didn’t need more funding but rather better management. Joly outlined her three priorities with that funding — more local programming, better digital content, and more new talent, which the CBC was developing an accountability plan based on those criteria.

Senator Tardif asked about reinvesting in the community media sector as it relates to minority language communities. Joly said that after they consultations, they were coming up with an official languages plan which includes a minority language media plan. Tardif asked if that would include plans to increase Internet access in remote communities, and Joly said that it was of great concern to her, and that she was working with the minister of innovation to have a holistic approach on the issue.

Senator Gagné asked about access to justice in minority languages, and hoped that there would be a greater emphasis on bilingualism for all federally-appointed justices. Joly said that access to justice in both official languages was a priority, and that she was working with provincial and territorial counterparts to tackle the issue and there should be a report by next June. Gagné asked if there would be minimum requirements that would be made public, and Joly said that it would en studied in 2017.

Senator Poirier asked why a new Commissioner of Official Languages had not been named yet, and Joly touted the merit-based process for appointments, and that it wasn’t her responsibility, but that of Parliament itself but she would have discussions with other leaders to that effect.

Senator Kenny asked about the decision not to go ahead with a sesquicentennial of Confederation medal as was planned. Joly spoke about the plans for an ambassador plan to be rolled out.

Senator Cormier asked about the consultations on Canadian Content in a digital age, and Joly spoke about the need to manage a transition from an analog landscape to a digital one, and the need to develop new policy levers.

Senator Seidman asked about Quebec anglophones who were facing challenges, and how they could benefit equitably from funding programs. Joly mentioned the consultations that she and her colleagues had undertaken and that they heard about the anxiety that those communities had, but didn’t give much in the way of concrete solutions. Seidman noted the regional realities of the different Anglophone communities in Quebec, and Joly said that now that the consultations were done, they would be developing their plan to be launched April 1st 2018.

Senator White asked about the decision on the Civic Hospital (as it was done under the NCC, which is part of Joly’s portfolio). Joly said that the process was to de-politicise the previous process but she hadn’t seen the full NCC report yet and would study it when she got it. White pushed about access to the Tunney’s Pasture site, and Joly said that she wanted the Ottawa Hospital Board to sit down with the NCC to come to an agreement.

Senator Munson asked about a hockey game and a temporary rink on the parliamentary lawn for the 150th, and Joly noted the previous request was unworkable particularly with security, but she would consider the request for a smaller rink.

Senator Nancy Ruth asked whether a copy of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms would go on permanent display at the Museum of Human Rights, and if the Canadian War Museum’s focus could be shifted to one of peace. Joly noted that the six national museums were arm’s length from her department and she wasn’t about to get involved to politicise their operations. Nancy Ruth asked why the previous government could pass an Act to change the name and mandate of the Museum of History, and Joly said that she was opposed to similar tactics.

Senator Black asked about the plans for a National Portrait Gallery, given that the collection was currently in vaults. Joly said that she was well versed in the idea, and that Minister Judy Foote was currently undertaking consultations for repurposing the old US embassy building across from Parliament Hill.

Overall, it was fast-paced and wide-ranging, and unlike other ministers, Joly kept her answers fairly succinct, so we got a lot more questions than we usually do. She did manage to beg off answering a number of questions by referring to consultations and reports that will be due in 2017 or 2018, which definitely shows that she has longer-range plans on her desk.

Sartorially speaking, snaps go out to Senator Serge Joyal for a finely tailored black suit with a light blue shirt and red tie, and to Senator Mobina Jaffer for a light pink dress with a black jacket. Style citations go out to Senator Rose-May Poirier for a bejewelled leopard print smock over a black top and slacks, and to Senator Murray Sinclair for a blinding teal shirt with a black suit.