Senator Cormier: 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?

Senator Cormier: First of all, I’d like to thank you for that background information and for the concern you have shown regarding this important legislation for official language minority communities. I’d also like to thank you for making the connection with the government’s obligations under the Official Languages Act.

You mentioned three additions that have been made. I’m referring to the paragraph that deals with commitments and the Official Languages Act. Under the heading “Funding commitments,” as you mentioned, the bill states:

early learning and child care programs and services subject to an agreement entered into with a province must be guided by the commitments set out in the Official Languages Act

Obviously, you mentioned the challenges in bilateral relations between the federal government and the provinces. I’m from New Brunswick, and there’s a major challenge in New Brunswick in terms of non-compliance with the Official Languages Act. You’ve given some very clear figures on the almost discriminatory situation that exists between anglophone and francophone communities. I would really love to hear from New Brunswick’s decision makers, who can shed some light on their obligations and on how Bill C-13 will be respected, taking into account the obligations under the federal Official Languages Act.

Hon. René Cormier: 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?

Hon. René Cormier: I’d like to ask a question, if the senator would be so kind as to answer it.