Actions and Commitments

Call to Action # 13: Language and Culture (13-17)

Bill S-212, “An Act for the advancement of the aboriginal languages of Canada and to recognize and respect aboriginal language rights” introduced in Parliament

December 9, 2015

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.