S-24714264-65-66-67Elizabeth II2015-2016-2017-2018An Act to establish International Mother Language DayInternational Mother Language Day ActAn Act to establish International Mother Language Day20183
22
Senator Jaffer4211716-2SUMMARYThis enactment designates the 21st day of February in each and every year as “International Mother Language Day”.PreambleWhereas English and French are Canada’s official languages;Whereas more than 60 different Aboriginal languages are spoken in Canada;Whereas Canadians speak a multitude of languages that greatly enrich Canada and its culture;Whereas, in November 1999, International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization;Whereas, in May 2007, the United Nations General Assembly called upon Member States “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world”;Whereas some Canadian provinces and cities already recognize International Mother Language Day;And whereas the Parliament of Canada wishes to recognize the value of linguistic and cultural diversity;Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:Short TitleShort TitleThis Act may be cited as the International Mother Language Day Act.International Mother Language DayInternational Mother Language DayThroughout Canada, in each and every year, the 21st day of February is to be known as “International Mother Language Day”.Not a legal holidayFor greater certainty, International Mother Language Day is not a legal holiday or a non-juridical day.