Reading Time: 8 minutesDisponible en français. In both the Senate and the House of Commons (the House), Indigenous languages are becoming more widely spoken and recognized, despite their historically limited use in Canada’s Parliament. Language is fundamental to identity and culture. Although the… Read More ›
Education, language and training
Executive Summary – Bilingualism in Canada’s Court System: The Role of the Federal Government
Reading Time: 3 minutesDisponible en français. Various rules govern the use of English and French in the Canadian court system. This HillStudy focuses on the federal government’s role in the matter, looking particularly at the issues that relate to bilingualism in the Canadian court system. A number… Read More ›
Celebrating Indigenous Leadership in Post-Secondary Education
Reading Time: 7 minutesDisponible en français. On 21 June, National Indigenous Peoples Day, communities across Canada hold events that celebrate Indigenous cultures and achievements. The year 2026 represents the 30th National Indigenous Peoples Day. To highlight this special occasion, this HillNote focuses on… Read More ›
Exercising Your Right to Vote in the Official Language of Your Choice: A Matter of Interpretation
Reading Time: 6 minutesDisponible en français. Can you vote in the official language of your choice during Canadian federal elections? The answer depends on which government agency you ask. A Matter of Interpretation The Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada and the Chief… Read More ›
Executive Summary – Official Languages in the Federal Public Service
Reading Time: 2 minutesDisponible en français. The purpose of the Official Languages Act (OLA) is to ensure respect for English and French as the official languages of Canada. Pursuant to the OLA and to regulations and current policies, federal institutions are guided by certain fundamental principles that… Read More ›
Executive Summary – The Official Languages Act: Understanding Its Principles and Implementation
Reading Time: < 1 minuteDisponible en français. The purpose of the Official Languages Act (OLA) is to ensure respect for English and French as the official languages of Canada. It was enacted in 1969, revised in 1988 and 2005, and overhauled in 2023 to adapt to the legal, technological and sociodemographic realities… Read More ›
Executive Summary – Language Regimes in the Provinces and Territories
Reading Time: 2 minutesDisponible en français. This HillStudy presents a non-exhaustive overview of the language regimes in place in the provinces and territories, and it briefly describes the main features of each one. In Canada, jurisdiction over language is shared between the various levels… Read More ›
Celebrating Indigenous Leadership in Elementary and Secondary Education
Reading Time: 6 minutesDisponible en français. On 21 June, National Indigenous Peoples Day, communities across Canada hold events that celebrate Indigenous cultures and contributions. To highlight this special day, the following HillNote focuses on examples of Indigenous leadership in elementary and secondary education,… Read More ›
R. v. Tayo Tompouba: The Judge as “Ultimate Guardian” of the Accused’s Language Rights
Reading Time: 6 minutesDisponible en français. In May 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada ordered a new trial in French for an accused who had not been informed of his right to be tried in the official language of his choice. The accused… Read More ›
Executive Summary – Language Regimes In the Provinces and Territories
Reading Time: 2 minutesDisponible en français. In Canada, language is an area of shared jurisdiction between the various levels of government. Although the federal government has established its own support measures, it relies on the provinces and territories to help ensure the nationwide recognition of both official languages – English and French. This HillStudy provides an overview of the language regimes established… Read More ›