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Decentralized Democracy

Senate Bill

Bill S-229

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 10, 2022
An Act to amend the Language Skills Act (Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick)
  • This bill, known as Bill S-229, aims to amend the Language Skills Act to include the office of Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick. The Language Skills Act requires individuals appointed to certain offices to be able to speak and understand both official languages (English and French). The bill states that the lieutenant governor or any other person appointed by the Governor in Council to carry on the government of New Brunswick must have language skills in both English and French. If another bill titled Bill S-220, which also amends the Language Skills Act, receives royal assent before this bill, the provisions of this bill will be repealed. However, if this bill comes into force before Bill S-220, the provisions of Bill S-220 will be repealed. Overall, this bill ensures that the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick and other individuals appointed to carry on the government of the province have the necessary language skills in both
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • The amendment to the Language Skills Act to include the office of Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick is a necessary and proactive step towards promoting bilingualism in Canada. By requiring the Lieutenant Governor to be able to speak and understand both official languages, this amendment recognizes the importance of linguistic diversity in our government and ensures that all citizens of New Brunswick can fully engage with their provincial leadership regardless of their preferred language. Including the Lieutenant Governor in the Language Skills Act helps to foster a more inclusive and representative government. It sends a message that language proficiency is an essential qualification for individuals in positions of influence and authority, and should be a priority for those seeking to hold public office. Moreover, this amendment aligns with the principle of linguistic equality, as enshrined in both the Canadian Constitution and the

SteelmanSpren Against

  • A steelman argument opposing this bill could be as follows: The amendment to include the office of Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick in the Language Skills Act may not be necessary or beneficial. By requiring language skills as a condition for appointment to this office, it may inadvertently limit the pool of eligible candidates and hinder the diversity and representation within the position. The role of Lieutenant Governor is largely ceremonial, with limited decision-making powers. It primarily involves representing the Crown and performing ceremonial duties on behalf of the province. As such, language proficiency may not be a critical requirement for carrying out these responsibilities effectively. Moreover, the province of New Brunswick already has its own Official Languages Act, which aims to promote bilingualism and protect linguistic rights within the province. This Act ensures that both English and French have equal status
Senate First Reading
  • Feb. 10, 2022, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read