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S-212
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ENGLISHSUMMARYSUMMARYPreamblePreamble1 Short Title1 Short Title2 International Mother Language Day2 International Mother Language Day
First Session, Forty-third Parliament,
68 Elizabeth II, 2019-2020
SENATE OF CANADA
BILL S-212
An Act to establish International Mother Language Day
FIRST READING, February 5, 2020
THE HONOURABLE SENATOR Jaffer
4211716
SUMMARY
This enactment designates the 21st day of February in each and every year as “International Mother Language Day”.
Available on the Senate of Canada website at the following address:
www.sencanada.ca/en
1st Session, 43rd Parliament, 
68 Elizabeth II, 2019-2020
SENATE OF CANADA
BILL S-212
An Act to establish International Mother Language Day
Preamble
Whereas English and French are Canada’s official languages;
Whereas more than 60 different Aboriginal lan­guages are spoken in Canada;
Whereas Canadians speak a multitude of languages that greatly enrich Canada and its culture;
Whereas, in November 1999, International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization;
Whereas, in May 2007, the United Nations General Assembly called upon Member States “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world”;
Whereas some Canadian provinces and cities already recognize International Mother Language Day;
And whereas the Parliament of Canada wishes to recognize the value of linguistic and cultural diversity;
Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:
Short Title
Short Title
1 This Act may be cited as the International Mother Language Day Act.
International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day
2 Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the 21st day of February is to be known as “International Mother Language Day”.
Not a legal holiday
3 For greater certainty, International Mother Language Day is not a legal holiday or a non-juridical day.
Published under authority of the Senate of Canada
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