National

Law protecting French targets francophone migrants

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Mar, 2022 12:42 PM

OTTAWA — The federal government is introducing a new law to protect the use of French in Canada including a push to bring more francophone immigrants to the country.

The bill modernizing the Official Languages Act would ensure that federally regulated companies, including banks, airlines, and trains and buses crossing provincial lines, would have to serve Canadians in French as well as English.

Those that fail to do so, or do not allow employees to work in both official languages, could face financial penalties of up to $25,000.

The bill will also bring in more protection for francophones in English- speaking regions of Canada, as well as the English-speaking minority in Quebec.

Canadians involved in the justice system, including people going to court, would have a choice of using English or French.

Official Languages Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor says the bill marks the first major modernization of official language laws in 30 years and will ensure the equality of English and French in Canada.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Hospitals feeling strain of COVID-19 surge

Ontario health officials said the province would delay all surgeries deemed non-urgent starting Wednesday as the province grapples with the dual pressures of rising admissions and increased staff absences.

Hospitals feeling strain of COVID-19 surge

Minister asks for investigation into party flight

Videos of the Dec. 30 flight shared on social media appear to show passengers not wearing masks as they gather in close proximity, singing and dancing in the aisle and on seats. In one video, a large bottle of vodka appears to be passed among passengers, and later a woman appears to be smoking an electronic cigarette on the plane.

Minister asks for investigation into party flight

New paid sick day policy comes into effect in B.C.

Workers in British Columbia are now eligible for five paid sick days as the provincial government brings in changes to the policy affecting workers. The government says eligible employees will be guaranteed those sick days, provided they've worked for their employer for at least 90 days.

New paid sick day policy comes into effect in B.C.

Hackers target PS752 victims' families in presser

Hackers targeted a Tuesday virtual news conference held by lawyers and family members of victims of the Iranian military's downing of a passenger jet two years ago. The family members, along with their legal team, had begun a video media availability to discuss a court decision that awarded them millions.

Hackers target PS752 victims' families in presser

U.S., Canada both declare victory in dairy dispute

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai formally requested a dispute settlement panel last May to examine allegations from American producers that Canada is denying them fair access to the Canadian market.

U.S., Canada both declare victory in dairy dispute

$40B child welfare settlement largest ever: feds

Ottawa has officially announced it has reached agreements in principle with First Nations partners to compensate children harmed by its underfunding of child welfare. Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller says at $40 billion, the settlement marks the largest in Canadian history.