Days left for public feedback on Nunavut language laws

Nunavut's language commissioner is encouraging Nunavummiut to give feedback on two proposed language laws, as the deadline for input draws near.

Bill 6, the proposed official languages act, and Bill 7, the proposed Inuit language protection act, passed first and second reading in the territory's legislative assembly during the spring.

The public has until Tuesday to submit written feedback to the standing committee that will make recommendations to the government.

"Not everyone had a chance to hear or have an opportunity to voice their concerns," language commissioner Johnny Kusugak said Thursday.

"What this does is they have an opportunity to put it in writing on what they feel the language act should be or what they seethat is missing from there."

Under Bill 6, 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.

Bill 7, 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.

Kusugak said it's important for Inuit in particular to give input on the legislation. Some are not even exactly sure how the act will work, he added.

"I have been approached over the summer by unilingual speaking Inuit who have concerns about the private sector, thinking that… our office has the power over the private sector," he said.

"Yet we don't have that power, because our power is over the government of Nunavut."

The standing committee will review people's submissions when it meets in September. Kusugak said that after that, it will form recommendations that will go to the legislative assembly.