1933-01-30

GOVERNOR GENERAL'S SPEECH


Mr. SPEAKER:: I have the honour to inform the house that I have received a message from His Excellency the Governor General, signed by his own hand, reading as follows:
I have received with great pleasure the address you have voted in reply to my speech at the opening of parliament, and thank you for it sincerely.
Bessborough.
Government House,
Ottawa.



THE LATE MR. MAXIME D. CORMIER

Right Hon. R. B. BENNETT (Prime Minister):: Mr, Speaker, it has been said that death loves a shining mark. If that be true, we in this house have since the adjournment had striking evidence illustrating the force of that observation. Little did any of us, when we left here a few short weeks ago, think one of our number, Mr. Maxime D. Cormier, member for Restigouche-Madawaska, would have passed from this world. Nevertheless, such is the case.
A young man of great, indeed, of more than ordinary promise, has been called from us. He had a career that exemplifies fully what may be achieved by honest effort. He was descended from a family that came to this country over two and a half centuries ago. He early conceived the idea of making for himself a place in the public life of the country, and, settling in Edmundston, although bom in the county of Westmorland, New Brunswick, identified himself with every local movement in that community. He was principal of the school and, subsequently admitted to the bar, he filled practically all the offices that might be filled by a member of the profession in the capital town of that county. He was judge of probate, clerk of the supreme court and clerk of the county court. In the fulness of time he offered himself as a candidate for

The late Mr. Cormier
the suffrage of his fellows. He was defeated, but in the election of 1930 he was returned to this house.
He had many qualities that endeared him to those who were privileged to know him well. I am told by one of his colleagues who was present at his funeral, that the manifestation of real sorrow and grief on the part of thousands of people who gathered there that day to pay their last earthly tribute to one of their number, was indeed striking, he had not seen anything like it before.
Mr. Cormier had a genial disposition and readily accommodated himself to the difficulties that arose by reason of the fact that he represented a constituency in which lived, in almost equal numbers, representatives of the two great races. Everyone spoke well of him in his desire to do justice and deal fairly with the claims of all persons regardless of race or religion, and to have attained the position of singular confidence he enjoyed in his community was well worth the effort of a lifetime. We shall miss him because of his kindly disposition, because of his buoyant optimism, because he represented the admixture of fairness and justice so essential in dealing with the many problems that confront legislators and others in this country. I ask you, sir, to convey to the sorrowing wife and children the expressions of sympathy of this chamber in the great loss they have sustained.


Right Hon. W. L. MACKENZIE KING (Leader of >the Opposition):: Personally, and
on behalf of the Liberal members of the opposition, I desire to express to the Prime Minister (Mr. Bennett) and to hon. gentlemen opposite, our sincere sympathy in the loss which they and their party have sustained through the death of the late member for Restigouche-Madawaska, Mr. Maxime Cormier.
Having entered parliament so recently, Mr. Cormier was just coming to be known to many of the members. Those of us who had the pleasure of his acquaintance will appreciate how considerable is the loss sustained by those whose interests he sought to serve; and how merited the tribute which has just been paid his memory by the Prime Minister.
We join with other members of this house in the desire to have the expression of its sympathy conveyed to Madame Cormier and the members of her family, who have been so suddenly and so greatly bereaved.


Mr. ROBERT GARDINER (Acadia):: Mr. Speaker, may I on behalf of those who sit in this comer of the house join in the tribute which has been paid to our late colleague,
Mr. Cormier, by the Prime Minister (Mr. Bennett) and the leader of the opposition (Mr. Mackenzie King). Although Mr. Cormier had been a member of this house only since the election of 1930, I am sure all hon. members will join sincerely in the tribute which the Prime Minister has paid to his memory.



RAILWAY ACT AMENDMENT

[Stage Direction]
Mr. THOMAS REID (New Westminster) moved for leave to introduce a bill to amend the Railway Act (rates on grain).
Some hon. MEMBERS:: Explain.


Mr. REID:: This bill contains one clause
proposing that the parliament of Canada grant to British Columbia the same freight rates on grain for domestic purposes as those enjoyed by eastern points. It is a simple clause.


Pierre Édouard Blondin: No copy of the bill has
been filed as yet, and its first reading will have to be postponed until the bill is forthcoming.
Motion stands.



EXPORT ACT AMENDMENT

[Stage Direction]
Mr. S. C. ROBINSON (West Essex) moved for leave to introduce Bill No. 14, to amend the Export Act.
Some hon. MEMBERS-:	Explain.
Mr. ROBINSON:: The object of this bill is, by repealing section 8 of the Export Act, to restore to the revenues of Canada the large amount of revenue lost by its enactment, and to open the way by international treaty or convention for reciprocal duties and obligations on the part of the two governments concerned. It is also an effort to help the serious unemployment situation in Canada, and to assist in the prevention of smuggling.
Motion agreed to and bill read the first time.



QUESTIONS

[Stage Direction]
(Questions answered orally are indicated by an asterisk.)

Mr. MARCIL:: 1.	Has Edmund Nadeau, Indian agent of Maria Indian Reserve, been dismissed? If so, for what reason?
2.	Who was appointed in his place, and was the appointment a temporary or permanent one?
3.	Has the appointment of Mr. Nadeau's successor been confirmed, and if not, who is now in charge of the agency?
Questions


Mr. MURPHY:: 1.	Yes. For political partisanship.
2.	Rev. J. A. W. Provencher was appointed temporarily.
3.	No. Mr. J. Adhemar Cyr.


POST OFFICE-DISMISSALS
Mr. POULIOT:: Do the figures 811 which appear in file S.P. 163, Ref. 22, of November 14/16, 1932, as constituting the number of employees of the Post Office Department who have been dismissed since August 1, 1930, include postmasters dismissed for political partisanship, incumbents who lost their position as a result of the changing of post office locations, and those whose retirement resulted from the closing of post offices?


Mr. SAUVE:: The statement mentioned covers all postmasters dismissed on account of active political partisanship, unsatisfactory management or site or other reasons, but not those whose services had to be dispensed with on account of the closing of post offices.


SULLY, QUE., POSTMASTEESHIP
Mr. POULIOT:: 1.	Was Mr. Isidore Jean, a returned soldier, appointed postmaster of Sully, on or about June 30, 1932?
2.	If so, upon whose recommendation?
3.	Did the Post Office Department issue instructions for the transfer of the post office at Sully to the said Mr. Jean?
4.	If so, on what date?
5.	Were these instructions suspended?
6.	If so, on what date, at whose request, upon whose instructions, and why?


Mr. SAUVE:: 1.	Yes.
2.	By order of the Postmaster General.
3.	Yes.
4.	June 30, 1932.
5.	Yes.
6.	On July 6, 1932, by order of the Postmaster General.


IMPORTS OF MANUFACTURES
Mr. GOTT:: What was the value of the manufactured products imported into Canada, each year or part of year, during the years the late administration was in office?


Mr. STEVENS:: Canada's imports of partly and fully manufactured goods during the years ended March 31, 1922 to 1930, were as under:
[Mr. Marcil.l
Years ended	Partly	FullyMarch 31	manufactured	manufactured1922	. S 71,843,851	$459,511,7281923	. 77,818,110	496,733,2131924	. 100.277.664	539,065,9811925	. 85,715,404	490,315,8391926	. 93,127,644	578,335,2961927	. 104,707.342	662,314,6661928	. 106.321,137	718,826,7821929	. 101,228,395	873,966,2471930	. 95,970,100	864,026,719


IMMIGRATION, 1926-1930
Eccles James Gott: How many people were admitted into Canada from all countries-each year, or part of year- during the years the late administration was in office?


Mr. GORDON:: October 1, 1926, to March 31,
1927	 53,105
Fiscal year 1927-28	 151,600
Fiscal year 1928-29	 167,723
Fiscal year 1929-30	 163,288
April 1, 1930, to July 31, 1930.	58,273


SINKING OF BRIGHT FAN
Mr. McINTOSH:: 1.	In view of recent developments, does the Government intend to further investigate the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the British freighter Bright Fan?
2.	If so, when?


Mr. DURANLEAU:: 1 and 2. The government has no knowledge of any "recent developments" in this matter.


C.G.S. ST. HELIERS
Mr. GARDINER:: 1.	When was the C.G.S. St. Heliers bought and from whom?
2.	By whom was this vessel inspected and at what location?
3.	What was the price paid for it?
4.	What repairs have been made each year since its purchase?
5.	By whom were these repairs made?
6.	What have these repairs cost each year?
7.	What balance, if any, was due by the Department of Marine for repairs on July 28, 1930?
8.	What balance, if any, was due by the department for this vessel on July 28, 1930?
9.	When was this balance paid and to whom?
10.	What to date is the actual cost to the department for this vessel?
11.	To what use each year has this vessel been put?
12.	When was it last used?
13.	Where is it now lying?

Bilingual Currency-Mr. Boulanger


Mr. DURANLEAU:: 1.	The vessel was bought under Bill of Sale dated July 10, 1930, from St. John Drydock and Shipbuilding Company, Limited, of Saint John, N.B.
2.	It was inspected by Steamship Inspectors C. E. Dalton and W. R. Bennett, at Saint John, N.B.
3.	$184,978.80.
4.	1930-31-Nil.
1931-	321 Minor deck, hull and engine
1932- 331	repairs.
5.	Midland Engine Works, Midland, Ontario; P. Payette Company, Penetanguishene, Ontario.
6.	1930-31-Nil.
1931-	32-$113.
1932-	33-83,482.
7.	Nil.
8.	$35,378.80.
9.	$35,000-2nd April, 1931-St. John Dry-dock and Shipbuilding Company, Limited; $378.80-6th June, 1932-St. John Drydock and Shipbuilding Company, Limited.
10.
Price paid St. John Drydock and Shipbuilding Company,
Limited	$ 184,978 80
Buoy lifting equipment	 18,505 25

Operating expenses:
1930- 31	$ 1.846 46
1931- 32	 19,773 40
1932- 33	 30,938 36

11.	Buoy and lighthouse service.
12.	The vessel was in commission and operated continuously from the opening until the closing of navigation, 1932.
13.	It was landing supplies a.t Cove island and Flowerpot island lightstations, Georgian bay (24th November, 1932).


QUESTION PASSED AS ORDER FOR RETURN
Mr. ROSS:: 1.	What are the reportable diseases in each province of the Dominion?
2.	What has been the death rate for the past ten years for, (a) tuberculosis; (b) diphtheria; (c) puerperal state; (d) organic diseases of the heart; (e) pneumonia; (f) diabetes; (g) poliomyelitis?


Henry Herbert Stevens: Return tabled forthwith.


MOTIONS FOR PAPERS
Eccles James Gott: For a copy of the agreement between the government of Canada and the government of the United States of America which permits channel construction in the lower Detroit river and Upper Lake Erie, international waters, at or near Amherstburg, Ontario.


LOWER DETROIT RIVER-PATROL
[Stage Direction]
MR. GOTT:
For a copy of the agreement between the government of Canada and the government of the United States of America regarding the operation and maintenance of a patrol in the lower Detroit river during the course of channel construction and the closing of the West Channel to navigation.

Mr. C. G. POWER (Quebec South) moved:: Resolved, that in the opinion of this house, the Export Act Amendment, 1930, refusal of releases and clearances to countries where importation of liquor forbidden, should now be repealed.


Richard Bedford Bennett: I would ask, Mr. Speaker, if this resolution is in order now that a bill founded upon its subject matter has been introduced and read a first time today.


Pierre Édouard Blondin: The bill introduced today undoubtedly covers the very same matter dealt with in this resolution, and as the bill itself cannot be anticipated by a resolution I declare the resolution out of order.


Charles Gavan Power: I have nothing to say, Mr. Speaker, except to acquiesce in your decision.


CURRENCY, NOTES AND BONDS PROPOSAL FOR STAMPING OR PRINTING IN BOTH OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
[Stage Direction]
Mr. OSCAR L. BOULANGER (Bellechasse) (Translation) moved:
Whereas French-speaking Canadians constitute approximately one-third of the population and have always evinced their attachment to tlie throne and British institutions;
And whereas their language, one of the languages most commonly used in international relations, is coupled with their culture and traditions, one of the essential elements of Canadian nationality, and establishes a characteristic that differentiates and protects our country against the dangers of Americanization;
And whereas the Fathers of Confederation had in mind and the federal pact demand the equality of the two languages: English and French;
Therefore be it resolved, that, in the opinion of this house, in order to more clearly establish the distinctive character of the Canadian people
[Stage Direction]
1658	COMMONS
Bilingual Currency-Mr. Boulanger
and to better ensure its preservation, all state currency, notes or bonds should be in both official languages.
(Translation) He said: Mr. Speaker, I did not anticipate to be called upon, to-day, to discuss t.hte motion which appears in my name on the order paper. The question to w-hidh this motion gives rise is of gneat importance to -the maintenance of the good understanding which must always exist among the various ethnical groups in Canada. Therefore, I only wish I possessed the necessary gifts in order to discuss this question as it deserves; however, I trust that the veterans of Canadian politics, whom I see around me in the house and who are my inspirers and models, will kindly complete by their masterful arguments, the proof of the theme I set forth, after I have given the motives which have induced me to move that Canadian currency as well as Government notes, bonds or debentures, be, in the future, stamped or printed in both the official languages of this country. I do not intend to enter into an historical or philosophical description to support the wish expressed in the resolution, which I have the honour of introducing. I would deem this beyond my power. Moreover, the resolution speaks for itself; it is quite evident to the great majority of Canadians who are intelligent, tolerant and possess some knowledge of the history of their country. It is to them that I appeal, for I do not entertain any hope of convincing ignorant and bigoted or silly people.
Any bright Canadian who has studied his history admits as a fact that Canada is a bilingual country and was founded by two great races from which she borrowed the best characteristics to build up an individuality of her own and distinct from that of other nations which surround her. Any intelligent Canadian who has perused his history also admits that the two-fold formation of the Canadian nation must appear in the foremost acts of its national life, as for instance, in the stamping or printing of its currency, government notes, bonds or debentures, which is a prerogative of the sovereignty of a nation.
Bilingual currency is not a new question to this house. I find in the Hansard of the session of 1906-1907, that Col. 0. E. Talbot, member for Bellechasse, speaking for Mr. Armand LaVergne, member for Montmagny, questioned the hon. Mr. Fielding, who was then Minister of Finance, as to the stamping or printing of currency and government notes in the two official languages of this country. The hon. Mr. Fielding replied that this reform did not seem to him, generally desired. The
.Mr. Boulanger.]
house will bear witness that this answer has not varied since then; it is the same which is given to-day. One may find the questions and answers, at page 6015, vol. IV of Hansard, session 1906-1907.
I am pleased to point out that this question was brought to the attention of the house by one of the former members of the county of Bellechasse which I have the privilege of representing in parliament.
More than 100 years ago, another member for Bellechasse, the hon. Augustin-Norbert Morin, who later became prime minister of Canada and whose family is related to that of my hon. friend, the member for Dorchester (Mr. Gagnon) published a pamphlet in connection with an order issued by a certain magistrate, whose name I cannot recall at this moment, that the English language should be adhered to in pleading before Canadian courts. "In what language should justice be meted out"? inquired the hon. Mr. Morin. " Evidently," he replied, " in the language of those who are judged!"
Prompted by my illustrious predecessor and model, allow me, sir, in my turn to put a similar question:	In what language must
be stamped the currency which serves to pay the taxes? The answer is clear:	"In the
language of those who are taxed."
Then, as one third of the rate payers in Canada speak the French language, it is befitting that the currency with which they pay their contribution to the state should bear a French inscription. This currency which serves to pay taxes, seeing that Canada is composed of a people speaking two official languages, should be stamped in the two official languages spoken by the ratepayers.
Whether one likes it or not, Canada is a bilingual country, in fact as well as in rights she bears the stamp of both French and English civilizations. It is exactly what distinguishes, characterizes and differentiates her from other countries. My fellow-citizens speaking the English language will pardon me if I state that without us, without our help, they would only be ordinary Americans, or common Americans, if you prefer.
There was held, last summer, in Quebec a congress of a national society called "The Native Sons of Canada," I had the pleasure of accompanying to the old Basilica of Quebec one of the officers of this society and I pointed out to him that the sacred chant to which he was listening: "Domine Salvum fac regem" had been sung in the old Quebec Basilica for the last three hundred years, ever since this Basilica had been founded, in 1633. We thus have prayed for the King for three hundred

Bilingual Currency-Mr. Boulanger
years; first, for the King- of France; then for the King of England; and now it is for the King of Canada for whom we pray in this Basilica, three centuries old. I pointed out to him that the two or three square miles comprised within the walls of Quebec were at a time of its history the only territory in America over which floated the British flag, and that, if Canada is British territory and forms part of the possessions of His Majesty George Y, the King of England and equally so of Canada, it was due to the defence of Quebec by Canadians speaking French united with the Canadians speaking English, in 1775.
One of our most eminent public men said to me one day: "You should withdraw this resolution. Canada is not a bilingual country." But, I replied, you are not without knowing that there are more than 3,000.000 Canadians speaking the French language. Does this not make of Canada a bilingual country? "Read the British North America Act" he answered. The eminent person who so addressed me is a member of the profession to which I belong, this, I state, without wishing to be considered as his equal. It is, perhaps, a professional defect of lawyers to attach too much importance to the wording of an act. Notwithstanding, however, that the wording of article 133 of the British North America Act seems to convey that French is only official in the House of Commons, before federal courts and in Quebec, it is nevertheless a fact that Canadians speaking French, are established in the nine provinces of Canada; it is furthermore a fact that the French Canadians are the pioneers of this country, they opened it to civilization and have helped to build it up, therefore Canada is, in fact, a bilingual country.
When we are aware, Sir, that other countries are learning again their old time languages; when we witness, for instance, Ireland reviving Gaelic, the Jews in Palestine reviving Hebrew, the Catalons, who have just been given their autonomy by the Spanish Republic, reviving their old Catalonian language, literature and theatres, so as to assert their individuality and distinguish themselves from other nations, it is very strange to find that certain Canadians are opposed to Canada asserting her individuality as a bilingual country, simply, they say, "So as not to embarrass the Government."
Whether this motion be presented by a liberal or by a conservative, whether it be adopted by a liberal or conservative government, it is of little import, the essential is that it ibe adopted. I waited until the house had been in session for some time before placing on the order paper this resolution.
53719-105i
I wished to afford an opportunity to my friends opposite to introduce this motion themselves instead of my doing eo, and I would have been pleased -to support it had they done so. If my bon. friends on your right, sir, had moved 'this resolution, they could not have been reproached for doing so "to embarrass the government." However, I wish to point out to those who accuse me of moving this resolution with the view of embarrassing the government that, if a change of government takes plaice at the next election and if the reform which I claim is not granted, I shall continue to make the same request to the government which will replace this one.
The (text of article 133 of the British North America Act of which I spoke a moment ago, did not prevent the hon. Louis Philippe Pelletier, one of the most distinguished and able men that the conservative party has ever had, of having post cards printed both in French and English; this text did not prevent the hon. senator Jacques Bureau-before whose grave, freshly covered, I bow-from issuing excise stamps in both languages, when Minister of Customs; 'this text did not prevent the hon. member for Gloucester (Mr. Veniot), when Postmaster General from giving us postage stamps in both languages. They were guided by common sense, propriety and justice rather than by the lack of broadness of the wording.
Moreover, Canada is, by rights, a bilingual country, and this since 1774. Our present system of government is but the expansion of the systems which preceded it, and it has become heir to them. The Quebec Act of 1774, which established civil government in this country, after the conquest, and which applied to all territories remaining under the control of England, permitted officially the use of French together with English and thereby proclaimed the bilingual character of this country. The constitution of 1791, which set up a parliamentary regime, acknowledged equally .the similar rights of French and English in this country.
One hundred years ago, the currency in this country was bilingual and on the face of an 1827 penny one may read these words "Deux sous, province du Bas Canada" and on the reverse side "Bank token, one penny." You will perhaps, be amazed, sir, to hear that in the English colony of Hong Kong, the currency is stamped both in English and in Chinese. It therefore seems to me that nobody should be astonished to hear the French Canadians request that in Canada, where they constitute one third of the population, the
1660	COMMONS
Bilingual Currency-Mr. Boulanger
same justice be meted out to them as that which is -meted out to the Chinese people of Hong Kong.
The Act o-f the Union of the two Canadas, of 1840, prohibited the -use of French, bu-t this prohibition was of short duration, and in 1849, thanks to Baldwin and Lafontaine, all that was then Canada became again officially bilingual. The Canadian Confederation is as much bilingual as the Canada of 1774, the Lower Canada of 1791 and that under the Union of 1849. Without wishing to criticize the Fathers of Confederation of 1864 and 1867, it seems to me that they -could have totter laid down the principle of bilingualism in Canada. When Confederation was constituted-, t-he French Canadians were a-bout equal in number to the English Canadians. It strikes me that the Fathers of Confederation, instead of playing the part of -poor relatives, instead of appearing as whipped dogs

pardon the expression- should have better upheld the rights of those they represented and made really of Canada a bilingual -country, in its rights, as it existed in fact, instead of aoq-uiescing to this narrow and shabby text which we find in the British North America Act. Another reason why I request that Canadian currency be stamped in the two languages, is that this act would proclaim the fact that Canada was founded by two great races.
I do not think it necessary to develop at length this argument. Those who have studied Canadian history are aware what has been, in the past, the contribution of Frenchspeaking Canadians to our national life. We, belonging to this generation believe, without bragging, that we carry some weight in the affairs of this country, we bear our share of the taxes and help in working out the destinies of this country. We take as much pride in our forebears and the part they played in our history as do our Englishspeaking fellow-citizens. Our love and devotion for the common fatherland is equal to that of our fellow-citizens who speak another language, and the patriotism of the oldest Canadians has nothing to envy to that of Canadians speaking English.
We require no pressing to take up our share of sacrifices and liabilities. Moreover, we are never left out on such occasions, no more than we are forgotten by the public treasury. Why should our rights and privileges be ignored? Why should we be forced to claim them as in the present instance? What a noble act it would have been on the part of a Canadian speaking English to move a resolution purporting to stamp Canadian currency and print the state notes in the two

official languages, so- as to proclaim the duality of formation and civiliaztion in Canada, and the perfect equality of the two principal ethnical groups constituting the population.
The frank and loyal acknowledgment of the rights of the Canadians speaking French by the majority are the peace terms between brothers without which this country's welfare, as a whole, cannot exist. We do not think, we are requesting too much in claiming as a right the appearance of our language on national currency, notes, bonds or debentures, so as to proclaim to the world the historical part played by the people of our race in this country. Of this we greatly pride ourselves and we love to recal' the time when Quebec was the centre of a vast empire extending from the Atlantic and the Alleghanies as far as the Rocky mountains, from Hudson bay to the Gulf of Mexico. We like to recall the time when the Ibervilles, the Bienvilles founded cities in the valley of the Mississippi, as far as the Gulf of Mexico, and that not one single large town, except on the New England coast, was founded by others than by French speaking Canadians.
The spirit of justice is part of the English character. We therefore trust that our fellow-citizens speaking English will acknowledge the justice of the rights we have of making our existence known on such official documents as our national currency, notes, bonds or debentures. Those endeavouring to unify, to standardize us will strive in vain, there will always be two languages, two races in this country. It is moreover its distinctive feature from others. Why not, honestly, make the best of it? Why not scrupulously respect the rights and views of one another? Why not endeavour to better know and understand one another by learning both languages, by practising entirely bilingualism, as His Excellency the Governor General himself recently advised, at the Ottawa University. I find his own words in the published account of the " Voix National " dated December 10, 1931. The Governor General in answer to the address of the students of the Ottawa University stated plainly:
I was parti eularly pleased to hear you inform me, with evident satisfaction, that bilingualism, in your institution, forms part of the foundation stone of the education you receive. In my opinion, the importance of the knowledge of both languages in this country cannot be over estimated. The better the citizens of this dominion will be able to discuss easily and freely, bath in French and English, the vital questions which interest the whole Canadian nation, the better will they appreciate their respective qualities, and the less will there be danger of their being misunderstood.

Bilingual Currency-Mr. Boulanger
The stamping of currency in both languages would certainly remind young Canadians to follow the sound advice of Lord Bessborough.
Moreover, this is an excellent opportunity to achieve the reform requested. Has not the British Government just handled over to the Canadian Government the control of the Mint, at Ottawa, which it held up to December 1, 1931. By the way, may I congratulate the Government on having realized this reform quite flattering to our national pride and suggested by the Order of Native Sons of Canada.
We may be reminded, perhaps, that there is no demand for bilingual inscriptions on our national currency. We are aware that this was the hon. Mr. Fielding's answer, in 1907, and that of hon. Mr. Robb, in 1928. -when he was requested to please his fellow-citizens of Quebec on the occasion of granting a new contract for the printing of State notes.
I do not think that the same objection stands this year. Indeed, since this question was brought up in the House, most of the newspapers of this country, not only those published in the French language but also many published in the English language, have referred to it in their editorial page, and they are unanimous in requesting Parliament to adopt this reform. Such a reform is equally requested by the Native Sons of Canada, the "Societe du bon parier fran<;ais" of Quebec, the St. John the Baptist Society of Montreal and Quebec, the Commercial Travellers' Syndicate and many others whose names I cannot recall, at present; all have adopted resolutions recommending the putting into practice of the principle we advocate.
Petitions signed by a great number of ratepayers were forwarded to the hon. Minister of Finance (Mr. Rhodes) requesting that. State currency and notes be stamped or printed in both Canadian official languages. I do not think that it can be said now that there exists no demand, or popular sentiment in favour of the resolution which we are debating.
Practical men, dampers of practical sense, have objected to the cost and expense that such a reform w'ould entail. They remind me of the Scotchman who said:
"There is no pleasure in smoking. If you smoke your own tobacco you are always thinking of the awful expense. And if you are smoking someone else's tobacco your pipe is filled so tight that it does not draw."
What does the outlay of a few thousand dollars amount to when a principle is involved and when it is a question of doing justice to one third of the population of a country?
Moreover, the outlay would only consist in making out new drawings, new lithographic plates and dies.
What will you do, I was asked, with the small metal coins which bear already figures and inscriptions in Latin and English? If I am not mistaken, there are but the one cent coins on which we could translate "one" by "un" and the large coins of five cents on which "five" could be duplicated by "cinq." As to "cent" I wonder whether it would be necessary to translate it by "centin," for this word "cent" has been accepted if not by the French at least by the Canadian language. However it is with reference to government notes, our beautiful "paper money" according to a "popular expression" that we shine. A few years ago, when the United States reduced the size of their state notes, some one suggested to the Canadian Minister of Finance to follow their example. He, however, refused with contempt, wishing to preserve the full and rich appearance of the Canadian notes. It is true that since then the United States took upon themselves the task of reducing their value, however, we remain with the large size notes of the period of the seven fat cows. That is fortunate for we shall thus have the necessary space for beautiful notes printed in both official languages.
How do you translate "Dominion of Canada" I was asked? It is told that it was Sir Georges-Etienne Cartier who undertook to translate it by "Puissance du Canada." To some one who remarked to him that the expression was not French, he replied with the little sharp tone which, it is said, he had: "It will be in the future!" I leave the care of settling the question to experts. The Canadian Confederation will get on well, likewise the Kingdom of Canada of Sir John A. Macdonald and of my friend the hon. member for Montmorency (Mr. LaVergne) or even the Republic of Canada, seeing that, since the Westminster Statute saw light, Canada is a republic presided by a King.
Some one informed me that Canadian currency can only be stamped in English, since it bears the likeness of the Sovereign and that the language of the Sovereign is English. Since the statement of Balfour, at the Imperial Conference of 1926, and also, since the Westminster Statute, His Majesty George V is king of Canada as he is king of each of the nations comprised in the British Commonwealth. As King of Canada, he must speak the language of all his subjects of which one-third speak French. Moreover, as a question of fact, His Majesty speaks French far more fluently than I do.
[Stage Direction]
Bilingual Currency-Mr. Boulanger
In England, a person does not consider himself well educated unless he can speak French, the language of his Norman ancestors who were also those of the French Canadians of to-day. I shall never forget the confusion and abashment of three or four Englishspeaking Quebec people, obliged to confess, after passing all their life among their Frenchspeaking fellow-citizens, that they were unable to follow Sir Austen Chamberlain and Sir Ronald Rudd, speaking in an irreproachable French, in an address given at the Canadian Club in Quebec. Bilingual currency is not a rare thing. The notes of both the Banque Nationale and Banque Provinciate are printed in French and English. I think that the currency and postage stamps of the Free State of Ireland are stamped or printed in Gaelic and English, while that of South Africa are in English and in Dutch. That Belgian currency is stamped in Flemish and French; that of Switzerland in German, French and Italian. Switzerland is a country where really the principle of bilingualism or rather trilingualism is practised, since nobody can occupy any public post, not even that of tramway conductor, without knowing the three official languages of the country. When shall we see such a reform and such an evidence of punctilious good faith in Canada where most of the high officials of the Dominion government are unilingual, as for instance, a chairman of the railway commission who does not even know how to write the names of witnesses of the province of Quebec who appear before him.
In closing my remarks may I express a wish: That of seeing the members speaking French in this house, united on this question. I trust that no one will bake the attitude of whipped dog that some of our public men have sometimes taken on national questions and which is no doubt characteristic of three centuries of colonialism. If there are "ifs" and "buts" to be brought forth, if there are objections to be made, let this be done by the hare-brained people of the Orange Order or Iiu Klux Klan who have brought into this free and peaceful country the narrow and ignorant fanaticism of foreign countries.
My last appeal is to Canadians who take pride in their country, its origin, history and character. We speak in this country the two most beautiful and important languages of the world which we have inherited from the two greatest civilizations that have ever e-xisted. Let all Canadians, all true Canadians, whether they speak English or French, help us in proclaiming throughout the world, on Canadian currency, notes, bonds and

debentures, that Canada is a bilingual country and that it is this characteristic which makes for its individuality and distinguishes it from other countries.
Mr. GOBEIL (Translation):: As I wish to take part in this debate, as do also a number of my colleagues, and as I did not expect that this motion would be introduced immediately, I move the adjournment of the debate.


Jean-François Pouliot: Mr. Speaker, speaking on the motion for the adjournment, it strikes me that my excellent friend, the hon. member who has just spoken, should be ready to address the house. He has only to read the articles which he has written in "l'Action Catholique" and which my hon. friend from Bellechasse has so ably disproved. The inscriptions on the jam pots are bilingual.


Mr. CIIEVRIER (Translation):: They are sticky.


Pierre Édouard Blondin: Is the motion for the adjournment of the debate seconded?


Samuel Gobeil: Because the mover of the resolution has spoken in French, I moved the adjournment of the debate in that language.


Mr. SPENCE:: I second it.


Mr. RYERSON:: I was paired with the hon. member for NorfoIk-EIgin (Mr. Taylor). Had I voted I would have voted for the motion.


Eccles James Gott: I was paired with the hon. member for Kent, Ont., (Mr. Rutherford). Had I voted would have voted for the motion.


Mr. OASSELMAN:: I was paired with the hon. member for Sherbrooke (Mr. Howard). Had I voted I would have voted for the motion.


Mr. NICHOLSON:: I was paired with the
hon. member for North Timiskaming (Mr. Bradette). Had I voted, I would have voted for the motion.


Mr. SENN:: I was paired with the hon. member for South Perth (Mr. Sanderson). Had I voted I would have voted for the motion.


Mr. BOWMAN:: I was paired with the hon. member for Skeena (Mr. Hanson). Had I voted I would have voted for the motion.


Mr. MacLAREN:: I was paired with the hon. member for Rimouski (Sir Eugene Fiset). Had I voted I would have voted for the motion.


Mr. WEIR (Melfort):: I was paired with the hon. member for Melville (Mr. Motherwell). Had I voted I would have voted for the motion.


Mr. PETTIT:: I was paired with the hon. member for Kamouraska (Mr. Bouchard). Had I voted I would have voted for the motion.


Mr. BELL (St. Antoine):: I was paired with the hon. member for Beauharnois (Mr. Raymond). Had I voted I would have voted for the amendment.


Mr. CARDIN:: I was paired with the hon. member for Pictou (Mr. Gantley). Had I voted I would have voted against the motion.


Mr. TOTZKE:: I was paired with the hon. member for Fraser Valley (Mr. Barber). Had I voted, I would have voted against the motion.


Mr. HEPBURN:: I was paired with the hon. member for North Huron (Mr. Spotton). Had I voted I would have voted against the motion.


Mr. DUGUAY (Translation):: I was paired with the hon. member for Bagot (Mr. Dumaine). Had I voted I would have voted for the motion.


Mr. DORION (Translation):: I was paired
with the hon. member for Lotbiniere (Mr. Verville). Had I voted I would have voted for the motion.


Mr. PERRAS (Translation):: I was paired with the hon. member for Stanstead (Mr. Hackett). Had I voted I would have voted against the motion.


Mr. DUPRE (Translation):: I was paired with the hon. member for Joliette (Mr. Ferland). Had I voted I would have voted for the motion.


Mr. DUBUC (Translation):: I was paired
with the hon. member for Halifax (Mr. Black). Had I voted I would have voted against the motion.


Mr. DUPUIS (Translation):: I was paired
with the hon. member for Northumberland, N.B., (Mr. McDade). Had I voted I would have voted against the motion.


CITY OF OTTAWA
[Stage Direction]
Hon. H. A. STEWART (Minister of Public Works) moved that the house go into committee at the next sitting to consider the following resolution:
That it is expedient to authorize the Minister of Public Works, on behalf of His Majesty, to enter into an agreement with the corporation of the city of Ottawa to extend the period of the existing agreement with the corporation for one year from July 1, 1932.
He said: His Excellency the Governor General, having been made acquainted with the subject matter of this resolution, recommends it to the favourable consideration of the house.
Motion agreed to.
[Stage Direction]
Canadian Policy in Far East

[Stage Direction]
On the orders of the day:
William Lyon Mackenzie King: May I ask the Prime Minister (Mr. Bennett) if there will be a report of the recent dominion-provincial conference; if so, will it be tabled shortly?


Richard Bedford Bennett: Mr. Speaker, the interprovincial conference was a conference of representatives of the provinces and the dominion, and it was agreed that no record would be kept of the proceedings other than of the resolutions that were passed. They will be tabled in due course. They have already been printed in the press.


UNEMPLOYMENT AND FARM RELIEF
[Stage Direction]
On the orders of the day:
William Lyon Mackenzie King: Mr. Speaker,
may I ask the Prime Minister (Mr. Bennett) if it is the intention of the government to introduce any legislation with respect to unemployment relief or farm relief at this part of the session; if so, can he indicate at once what the nature of the legislation will be?


Richard Bedford Bennett: Mr. Speaker, it is not customary to
indicate the character of legislation before it is submitted by formal resolution to the house. There will be legislation with respect to one or both of the matters mentioned. As to the form it will take, that has not been settled.


DISARMAMENT CONFERENCE
[Stage Direction]
On the orders of the day:
Hon. ERNEST LAPOINTE (Quebec East) :: May I ask the Prime Minister if Canada will be represented when the disarmament conference resumes its work, and if so, by whom?


Richard Bedford Bennett: Canada will be represented. As to
the personnel of the representation that has not been settled. Cable communications have passed between the government of Canada and our representatives at Geneva, I can only say for the moment that we will be represented. It will depend entirely on the general character of the discussions by whom we may be represented, that is whether or not it is desirable to send anybody to Geneva for that purpose.

CANADIAN POLICY IN THE FAR EAST On the orders of the day:


Ernest Lapointe: May I ask the Prime Minister (Mr. Bennett) whether the Secretary of State (Mr. Cahan) represented the view of the government of Canada when he spoke at Geneva about the Manchurian question?


Richard Bedford Bennett: 
Ernest Lapointe: Then I assume he represented the views of the government.


Richard Bedford Bennett: He represented the government. And he believes that on a true interpretation of his remarks they are not open to the criticisms that have been urged. In view of the statement as a whole I cannot see that he departed from his instructions, but if you take isolated sentences you might arrive at conclusions entirely at variance with what was intended by the speaker. As he will be back here very shortly he will be able to explain the situation fully.
IMPORTATIONS OF BUTTER On the orders of the day:


Hon. IAN MACKENZIE (Vancouver Centre) :: May I ask the hon. Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Weir) if the government received complaints from western Canada, British Columbia particularly, in regard to importations of New Zealand butter?


Robert Weir: There have been certain representations made with reference to the importations of New Zealand butter.

Union with Newfoundland


Mr. E. O. BERTRAND (Prescott):: Mr. Speaker, I should like to inquire of the Minister of Trade and Commerce (Mr. Stevens) as to what action will be taken by the government should there be importations of butter from Australia or elsewhere.


Henry Herbert Stevens: Such action as is necessary and proper under the statutes of this country.
UNION WITH NEWFOUNDLAND On the orders of the day:


Hon. J. L. RALSTON (Shelburne-Yar-mouth):: Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the right hon. Prime Minister (Mr. Bennett) if there have been any communications or correspondence with the government of, or with parties in, Newfoundland with regard to possible political union or arrangements with that dominion, and if so, will he lay copies of that correspondence on the table.


Richard Bedford Bennett: I doubt not that the hon. gentleman with his love of order will realize that questions have already been placed upon the order paper in connection with that subject.


James Layton Ralston: No, there are no questions about that. One is in regard to Labrador and the other in regard to the financial position.


Richard Bedford Bennett: Inasmuch as the hon. gentleman has raised the question now without notice, I can only say that there has been no correspondence in regard to the matter he mentioned; I think I am correct in saying no correspondence of any kind. Last fall, after a conference took place here, I think a personal letter was written to me by the Prime Minister of Newfoundland stating that if the matter were to be considered, ample opportunity would be afforded for discussion, something of that sort. But there has been no communication of an official character dealing with the matter to which the hon. gentleman refers.
SURVEY OF NATIONAL PORTS On the orders of the day:


Ian Alistair Mackenzie: I would like to ask the hon. Minister of Marine (Mr. Duranleau) if it is the intention of the government to introduce any legislation based on the recommendations of the Gibb commission?


Alfred Duranleau: I think it is the intention of the government to bring in legislation.


TRADE RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA
Mr. J. L. BROWN (Lisgar):: May I ask the Prime Minister (Mr. Bennett) if the government will shortly make a statement in regard to the proposed cattle deal with Russia?


Richard Bedford Bennett: Tomorrow being a government day I
see no reason why I should not make a statement at that time.


PENSION ACT ADMINISTRATION
[Stage Direction]
On the orders of the day:
Mr. PETER McGIBBON (Muskoka-On-tario):: I should like to inquire of the Minister of Pensions and National Health (Mr. MacLaren), when we may expect the report of the committee investigating the workings of the Pension Act.


Murray MacLaren: Mr. Speaker, the report of this committee has been delivered to me and is now in the hands of the government. As to what further steps may be taken, I expect to be able to furnish this information at an early day.


ESTIMATES-BUDGET
[Stage Direction]
On the orders of the day:
William Lyon Mackenzie King: Mr. Speaker, I
should like to inquire of the Minister of Finance (Mr. Rhodes), if he is in a position to inform the house as to when the estimates for the ensuing year will be presented, and also whether or not he hopes to be able to bring down his budget at an early day. I would direct his attention to the fact that we have been in session now for over two months.


Hon. E. N. RHODES (Minister of Finance) :: I anticipate that the estimates will be presented to the house this week, possibly on Wednesday, although I cannot be certain that that will be the day. I am sorry that I cannot give my right hon. friend a specific answer to the second portion of his question.


SOLDIER LAND SETTLEMENT
[Stage Direction]
On the orders of the day:
Thomas Reid: I should like to ask the Minister of Immigration and Colonization (Mr. Gordon), if it is

Imperial Economic Conference
the intention of the government to introduce legislation this year affecting soldier settlement upon lands.


Wesley Ashton Gordon: The position of
soldier and other settlers upon lands owned by the Dominion government is now under review by (he officials of the department, and although I cannot state definitely, it may be that some remedial legislation will be introduced at this session. I cannot state the exact nature of such legislation, but the action which the government intends to take will be announced in due course.


INTERNATIONAL RADIO CONFERENCE
[Stage Direction]
On the orders of the day:
Ernest Lapointe: Mr. Speaker, I should like to ask the Minister of Marine (Mr. Duranleau), when we shall be favoured with a report on his work in connection with the radio conference in Spain.


Alfred Duranleau: My hon, friend will be satisfied
within a few days.


Ernest Lapointe: Pretty soon?


Alfred Duranleau: Within a few days.
On motion of Mr. Bennett the house adjourned at 4.20 p.m.
Tuesday, January 31, 1933.