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Decentralized Democracy

Senate Bill

Bill S-220

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 03, 2022
An Act to amend the Languages Skills Act (Governor General)
  • This bill, known as S-220, aims to amend the Languages Skills Act by adding the office of Governor General to the list of offices that are subject to this Act. The Language Skills Act requires individuals appointed to certain positions within the Canadian government to be able to speak and understand both official languages, English and French. This amendment ensures that the Governor General, along with other chief executive officers or administrators of the Government of Canada, must possess language skills in both languages. This bill was introduced by Senator Carignan and had its first reading on November 24, 2021.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • One steelman argument in favor of this bill could be that adding the office of Governor General to the list of offices subject to the Language Skills Act ensures effective communication and inclusivity within the Canadian government. The ability to speak and understand both official languages is crucial in a bilingual country like Canada, where both English and French are widely spoken. By requiring the Governor General to have language skills in both languages, it ensures that they can effectively communicate with and represent all Canadians, regardless of their preferred language. This promotes inclusivity and fosters a sense of national unity, as it demonstrates a commitment to linguistic diversity and recognizes the importance of both official languages in the functioning of the government. Additionally, this amendment aligns with the principles of fairness and equal opportunity, as it sets a standard for language proficiency for in

SteelmanSpren Against

  • A steelman argument opposing this bill could be as follows: "The amendment to the Language Skills Act to include the office of Governor General is unnecessary and potentially discriminatory. The requirement for individuals appointed to certain offices to be able to speak both official languages is meant to ensure effective communication and representation. However, adding the Governor General to this list suggests that individuals who do not meet this language requirement are unable to effectively fulfill their duties. This assumption undermines the potential for qualified individuals who may not be bilingual but possess a range of other valuable skills and experiences to serve as Governor General. It also raises concerns about potential exclusion and limited diversity in the selection process for this important role. Instead of focusing on language skills, the appointment process should prioritize qualifications, experience, and suita
Senate First Reading
  • Nov. 3, 2022, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read