S-214

Details

Full Title

An Act to establish International Mother Language Day

First Reading

November 23, 2021, Parliament 44, Session 1

Type

Senate Public Bill

Full Content

https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/s-214

Summary

The bill, officially titled "An Act to establish International Mother Language Day" and unofficially known as the "International Mother Language Day Act," designates February 21st of each year as International Mother Language Day throughout Canada. The bill acknowledges Canada's official languages (English and French), the presence of over 60 Aboriginal languages, and the multitude of languages spoken by Canadians that enrich the country's culture. It references the United Nations' proclamation of International Mother Language Day in 1999 and the UN General Assembly's call in 2007 to protect all languages used by peoples of the world. The bill notes that some Canadian provinces and cities already recognize this day. The Act explicitly states that International Mother Language Day is not a legal holiday or a non-juridical day. The goal is to recognize the value of linguistic and cultural diversity within Canada.

Issues

This bill was not summarized into specific issues.