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

When will the pandemic end? Tam is optimistic

Canada is expecting a potentially massive surge in cases in the coming weeks, driven by the new Omicron variant already spreading through communities, said Dr. Theresa Tam. While COVID-19 might be with us for many years to come, Tam is optimistic the pandemic could end in the foreseeable future.

When will the pandemic end? Tam is optimistic

Feds failed victims of military misconduct: Anand

Streamed online from National Defence Headquarters, the apology followed the federal government’s $600-million settlement with tens of thousands of current and former Armed Forces members who experienced such behaviour while serving.

Feds failed victims of military misconduct: Anand

Heavy snow expected for parts of southern B.C.

The agency says a low-pressure system is moving into the southern part of the province starting Monday night and is expected to stay on until Tuesday, bringing up to 20 centimetres of snow in some areas.

Heavy snow expected for parts of southern B.C.

Gas rationing after flood lifting in B.C.

The British Columbia government is lifting a restriction on gasoline for the general public that was put in place after flooding and landslides cut off supply. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says the 30-litre limit per visit to the pumps proved effective and will lift on Tuesday.

Gas rationing after flood lifting in B.C.

B.C. increases event recovery fund to $30 million

Melanie Mark, the minister of tourism, arts and culture, says COVID-19 and recent natural disasters have had devastating impacts on events and tourism, and expanding the program to nearly $30 million is a way to help communities safely resume activities.

B.C. increases event recovery fund to $30 million

Two in five Canadians know unvaxed people: poll

The survey conducted by Leger and commissioned by the Association for Canadian Studies suggests four in ten Canadians have a friend or family member who is not vaccinated. Seventy per cent of these don’t discuss the matter with them, with half of those saying they have given up trying to persuade them to get protective shots.