BI-LINGUALISM IN CANADIAN STATUTES

Abstract

This article concerns the role of Canada’s two official languages in the publication and interpretation of statutes, highlighting the difficulties that arise when legislating in both official languages. The author traces the history of section 133 of the British North America Act, the provision giving equal status to both French and English in the Houses of Parliament, the Legislature of Quebec and the courts. The author compares the Canadian experience with the experiences of other multi-lingual countries, noting the particular challenges that arise out of the Canadian context. The author concludes by alleging that the federal government has been more concerned with observing the letter of section 133 rather than its spirit and offers solutions as to how the process of legislating in the bilingual context might be improved.