Post by blackcrowheart on Feb 14, 2008 14:47:24 GMT -5
Nunavut introduces new language bills
Not strong enough, say Inuktitut proponents; small businesses disagree
Last Updated: Wednesday, June 6, 2007 | 9:17 AM CT
CBC News
Proposed laws aimed at protecting the Inuit language went through first
reading Tuesday in the Nunavut legislature.
But some say the legislation does not go far enough in putting Inuktitut
and Innuinaqtun on an equal footing with English and French, while others
say it goes too far.
Louis Tapardjuk, the territory's minister of culture, language, elders and
youth, introduced a new official languages act, along with an Inuit
language protection act, for first reading.
But Nunavut Tunngavik president Paul Kaludjak and Languages Commissioner
Johnny Kusugak, who were at the legislative assembly when Bills 6 and 7
were introduced, criticized the proposed legislation.
"We truly believe that it could have been a lot stronger," Kusugak said,
adding that he was expecting tougher enforcement provisions, as well as a
shorter period of time before Inuktitut is mandatory in schools from
kindergarten to Grade 12.
Tapardjuk, however, said the language bills are part of an evolutionary
process, putting the Inuit languages of Inuktitut and Innuinaqtun on equal
footing with English and French.
Continue Article
"Sure, I'd like to see it tougher myself," he said. "However, we have to
face reality. We are bound by the Nunavut Act, and English and French have
to be recognized in Nunavut.
"Our problem in the Inuktitut language is that we don't have
Inuktitut-speaking judges, we don't have Inuktitut-speaking doctors,"
Tapardjuk added. "It's eventually going to come around, but we are to make
certain there are [pieces] of legislation that [address] that issue."
Both proposed laws are meant to ensure Inuit can see and use their language
in all facets of life, from phone bills and bylaw tickets, to workplaces
and schools. They were developed following several months of public
consultations around the territory.
Under the proposed official languages act, English, French and the Inuit
languages of Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun would be the territory's official
languages. The current Official Languages Act, which existed when Nunavut
was still part of the Northwest Territories, lists eight official
languages.
If passed, the Inuit language protection act would require services to be
provided in Inuktitut or Inuinnaqtun, as well as ensure those languages be
included on signs, bills and advertising. Such requirements would apply to
stores and businesses — something that Claire Kennedy of D.J. Specialities
in Iqaluit said may hurt small businesses like hers.
"We can't compete with government wages as a small business, and that's
where we get hurt," said Kennedy, who added that she has been having
trouble hiring bilingual staff for years.
The proposed protection act would also create a minister of languages and
an Inuit language authority that would develop terminology and standards.
Ultimately, Tapardjuk said, the government's goal is to make sure the Inuit
languages thrive and Inuit are proud to speak their mother tongue.
The public will have a chance to comment on the proposed laws once they are
referred to a standing committee for review, assuming the bills get second
reading.
Not strong enough, say Inuktitut proponents; small businesses disagree
Last Updated: Wednesday, June 6, 2007 | 9:17 AM CT
CBC News
Proposed laws aimed at protecting the Inuit language went through first
reading Tuesday in the Nunavut legislature.
But some say the legislation does not go far enough in putting Inuktitut
and Innuinaqtun on an equal footing with English and French, while others
say it goes too far.
Louis Tapardjuk, the territory's minister of culture, language, elders and
youth, introduced a new official languages act, along with an Inuit
language protection act, for first reading.
But Nunavut Tunngavik president Paul Kaludjak and Languages Commissioner
Johnny Kusugak, who were at the legislative assembly when Bills 6 and 7
were introduced, criticized the proposed legislation.
"We truly believe that it could have been a lot stronger," Kusugak said,
adding that he was expecting tougher enforcement provisions, as well as a
shorter period of time before Inuktitut is mandatory in schools from
kindergarten to Grade 12.
Tapardjuk, however, said the language bills are part of an evolutionary
process, putting the Inuit languages of Inuktitut and Innuinaqtun on equal
footing with English and French.
Continue Article
"Sure, I'd like to see it tougher myself," he said. "However, we have to
face reality. We are bound by the Nunavut Act, and English and French have
to be recognized in Nunavut.
"Our problem in the Inuktitut language is that we don't have
Inuktitut-speaking judges, we don't have Inuktitut-speaking doctors,"
Tapardjuk added. "It's eventually going to come around, but we are to make
certain there are [pieces] of legislation that [address] that issue."
Both proposed laws are meant to ensure Inuit can see and use their language
in all facets of life, from phone bills and bylaw tickets, to workplaces
and schools. They were developed following several months of public
consultations around the territory.
Under the proposed official languages act, English, French and the Inuit
languages of Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun would be the territory's official
languages. The current Official Languages Act, which existed when Nunavut
was still part of the Northwest Territories, lists eight official
languages.
If passed, the Inuit language protection act would require services to be
provided in Inuktitut or Inuinnaqtun, as well as ensure those languages be
included on signs, bills and advertising. Such requirements would apply to
stores and businesses — something that Claire Kennedy of D.J. Specialities
in Iqaluit said may hurt small businesses like hers.
"We can't compete with government wages as a small business, and that's
where we get hurt," said Kennedy, who added that she has been having
trouble hiring bilingual staff for years.
The proposed protection act would also create a minister of languages and
an Inuit language authority that would develop terminology and standards.
Ultimately, Tapardjuk said, the government's goal is to make sure the Inuit
languages thrive and Inuit are proud to speak their mother tongue.
The public will have a chance to comment on the proposed laws once they are
referred to a standing committee for review, assuming the bills get second
reading.