Senator Mobina Jaffer has introduced Bill S-212 — an act to recognize International Mother Language Day on Feb. 21 as a Canadian holiday.
The United Nations (UN) has recognized International Mother Language Day for 20 years. It said 43 per cent of the world’s 6,000 languages are endangered.
“Every language is like a world view,” Morin explained.
“When we lose it, we lose something great.”
Morin said 2019 being recognized as the International Year of Indigenous Languages garnered more support for Indigenous culture. He thinks International Mother Language Day would have a similar impact.
Jaffer will speak more on Bill S-212 in April. She’s hoping it will be approved by the House of Commons by June 2020 but thinks it would be more likely approved in December 2020.
If everything goes as planned, Feb. 21, 2021, will be recognized as International Mother Language Day in Canada.
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