Fed. Govt.

Romeo Saganash, MP, tabled Bill C-262, An Act to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This bill would require the Government of Canada to take initiatives with regard to the use of Aboriginal languages in the public domain, education and the media. The Bill is now in the Senate.

Senator Serge Joyal tabled Bill S-212, An Act for the advancement of the aboriginal languages of Canada and to recognize and respect aboriginal language rights. The bill is intended to set out the Government of Canada’s commitment on the advancement of Aboriginal languages and respect for Aboriginal language rights. Bill S-212 was debated and adopted by the Senate at second reading in December 2016 and was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples for study. The Bill is still awaiting study by the committee, probably because since it was first introduced, the Prime Minister has announced the development of an Indigenous Languages Act.

“Bill C-91: An Act Respecting Indigenous Languages” (The Indigenous Languages Act) introduced in Parliament.

Two legislative initiatives have been put forward by individual parliamentarians in relation to Aboriginal language rights.

The Indigenous Languages Act, which is intended to support the reclamation, revitalization, maintaining and strengthening of Indigenous languages in Canada received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019. The Act enshrines in law that Indigenous rights include language rights.