Category: Feature
Rebuilding Canada’s Bilingual Legislative Tradition: A Road Map Solidified by and for Legislators
One-Way Bilingualism: Anglonormativity in the House of Commons
Reporting Parliamentary Proceedings in Multiple Languages: British Columbia’s Approach
Indigenous Languages in the House of Commons: Moving From Exceptions to Practice
Indigenous Languages in the House of Commons: Moving From Exceptions to Practice
From Confederation to the present day, Indigenous cultures – including languages, but also governance practices and other traditions – have been underrepresented across Canadian public institutions. In this article, the author summarizes how action and advocacy by Indigenous MPs, decisions by the House of Commons, and subsequent efforts by the House Administration in recent years have ushered in a new era for the use of Indigenous languages in proceedings.
Keelan Buck
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The Value of Multilingual Parliaments: A Commonwealth Perspective
The Value of Multilingual Parliaments: A Commonwealth Perspective
Multilingualism is a defining characteristic of many Commonwealth nations. As such, the practice of bilingual or multilingual governance, particularly within Parliaments, embodies democratic inclusivity, cultural preservation, and social equity. In this article, the author explores the value of bilingual Parliaments within the Commonwealth, drawing on case studies from Kenya, Canada, South Africa, Wales, and New Zealand. It examines both the benefits and challenges of institutionalizing linguistic diversity in legislative settings and offers recommendations rooted in innovation and participatory governance. *This article is a revised and expanded version of a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association blog post first published on February 21, 2025.
James Pinnell
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How Language Can be Taxing
How Language Can be Taxing
Income tax is one of the Government’s main sources of funding and fiscal measures cover all aspects of our lives, from cradle to grave. The concepts are complex, and the terminology concerns every area of human activity. Translating tax laws is therefore a major challenge. In this article, the authors provide a brief history of Québec’s Taxation Act and then call on their experience as translators and revisers of Québec tax laws to discuss the language issues they face daily.
Patrick Tye and Nathalie Polet
Constituency Office Business Continuity Planning: Alberta MLAs and Staff Share Stories From Wildfire Evacuations
The Canadian Scene
The Canadian Scene
New Nova Scotia Speaker
Danielle Barkhouse (MLA for Chester- St. Margaret’s) was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia on September 5, 2024 over Lisa Lachance (Halifax Citadel-Sable Island) and Rafah DiCostanzo (Clayton Park West).
Speaker Barkhouse had served as Deputy Speaker since November 3, 2022.