QUESTION PERIOD — Canadian Heritage
Support for Indigenous Languages
September 28, 2023
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, section 3 of Nunavut’s Inuit Language Protection Act states that public sector organizations active in the territory, including federal departments, agencies and institutions, must provide services to the public and have signage in the Inuit language.
However, during my trip to Nunavut last May, Languages Commissioner Karliin Aariak told me that federal institutions don’t believe that they have to observe that section of the act. Legal experts already stated that Nunavut has to authority to legislate on matters of language on its territory, including with respect to federal institutions.
My question to you is the following: Considering the importance of the Inuit language for the development of the culture and identity of Nunavut’s Indigenous peoples, how will the federal government make sure that federal institutions meet their obligations under this act?
Thank you for the question. The government completely agrees with the importance of providing services in Inuktitut.
Many federal departments provide services in Inuktitut and the government is in the process of broadening and strengthening its efforts pursuant to the Indigenous Languages Act, with the support of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages. This work is supported by the significant investments that the government is making in this area, namely, $840 million since 2019 to revitalize Indigenous languages across Canada.
There is a technical question about whether federal services are subject to the federal or territorial legislation, but that doesn’t change the government’s commitment to protect and promote Indigenous languages and Inuktitut in northern Canada and Indigenous languages across the country.
Honourable senators, the time for Question Period has expired.
Senator Cormier would like to ask a supplementary question. Is leave granted?
Thank you, colleagues.
During my visit to Nunavut, Ms. Aariak also told me that the federal Indigenous Languages Act lacks “teeth,” especially when it comes to the role of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages.
The act was passed in June 2019, and it includes a five-year review of its provisions. Does the federal government intend to comply with its obligations relating to Indigenous peoples’ right to governance and self-determination in this country?
Thank you for the question.
The Indigenous Languages Act is a historic milestone for those working to protect and promote Indigenous languages. Of course, we must continue to strengthen and expand these efforts. The statutory review will take place and, as part of that process, input from partners and Indigenous communities will be vital to determining how well the bill is achieving its objectives and where improvements are needed.
