Bill C-407

1st Session, 39th Parliament,

55-56 Elizabeth II, 2006-2007

house of commons of canada

BILL C-407

An Act respecting an International Mother Language Day

WHEREAS a mother language is vital to every individual’s sense of identity and development;

WHEREAS language is the cornerstone of culture and provides a means of communication among people;

WHEREAS many of the 6,500 languages in this world are dying with the passing of the last generation to speak them;

WHEREAS multiculturalism is enshrined in Canada, and tolerance, dialogue and dignity are benchmarks of Canadian values;

WHEREAS at the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) it was unanimously agreed to observe International Mother Language Day on February 21 in each and every year;

AND WHEREAS Canada can act as a leader in supporting languages and cultures throughout the world by respectfully observing International Mother Language Day and by launching programs that will promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multiculturalism;

NOW, THEREFORE, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

SHORT TITLE

1. This Act may be cited as the International Mother Language Day Act.

INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY

2. Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the 21st day of February shall be known as “International Mother Language Day”, a day for the people of Canada to celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity and multiculturalism.

3. For greater certainty, International Mother Language Day is not a legal holiday or a non-juridical day.