Summary#
This bill designates February 21 of every year as “International Mother Language Day” across Canada. It recognizes linguistic diversity but does not make the day a legal holiday. The Act contains no programs, mandates, or funding provisions (International Mother Language Day; Not a legal holiday).
- Sets February 21 each year as International Mother Language Day (International Mother Language Day).
- Confirms it is not a paid holiday or non-juridical day (Not a legal holiday).
- Applies nationwide and aligns with a UNESCO-recognized observance noted in the preamble (Preamble).
- Creates no new rights, obligations, or spending requirements (Bill text).
What it means for you#
- Households: February 21 is a recognized day to celebrate mother tongues. There is no day off work or school (Not a legal holiday).
- Workers and students: Work and school schedules do not change. Regular pay and attendance rules continue (Not a legal holiday).
- Businesses: No change to operating hours, payroll, or statutory holiday rules (Not a legal holiday).
- Schools and community groups: May choose to hold events or activities to mark the day. The bill does not require any activities (Bill text).
- Federal, provincial, and municipal governments: May acknowledge the day in communications if they choose. The bill does not mandate observance actions or reports (Bill text).
- Indigenous communities and language organizations: The day provides a national platform to highlight the more than 60 Aboriginal languages in Canada, as noted in the preamble (Preamble).
Expenses#
Estimated net cost: Data unavailable; the bill includes no appropriations and does not create a paid holiday.
- No direct appropriations, taxes, fees, or mandated spending are in the bill (Bill text).
- No holiday costs for government or employers, since it is not a legal holiday (Not a legal holiday).
- Any activities by public bodies or communities would be voluntary; amounts not specified. Data unavailable.
Proponents' View#
- Recognizes Canada’s linguistic diversity, including more than 60 Aboriginal languages, and affirms cultural heritage (Preamble).
- Aligns Canada’s observance with UNESCO’s 1999 proclamation and a 2007 UN General Assembly call to protect languages (Preamble).
- Standardizes recognition across Canada, complementing provinces and cities that already mark the day (Preamble).
- Imposes no business disruption because it is not a legal holiday (Not a legal holiday).
- Creates a consistent annual focal point that schools and communities can use to promote language learning and preservation (International Mother Language Day).
Opponents' View#
- The Act is symbolic and creates no programs, rights, or funding to protect or revitalize languages (Bill text).
- Federal recognition may duplicate existing provincial or municipal recognitions without adding new tools (Preamble; Bill text).
- Without required actions, the day alone may not address language loss or access to language education (Bill text).
- Some members of the public may assume it is a holiday; clear communication is still needed even though the Act states it is not a legal holiday (Not a legal holiday).