An Act to amend the Supreme Court Act (understanding the official languages)

This bill was last introduced in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session, which ended in March 2011.

This bill was previously introduced in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session and the 40th Parliament, 1st Session.

Sponsor

Yvon Godin  NDP

Introduced as a private member’s bill. (These don’t often become law.)

Status

Outside the Order of Precedence (a private member's bill that hasn't yet won the draw that determines which private member's bills can be debated), as of Nov. 26, 2008
(This bill did not become law.)

Summary

This is from the published bill. The Library of Parliament often publishes better independent summaries.

This enactment amends the Supreme Court Act and introduces a new requirement for judges appointed to the Supreme Court to understand English and French without the assistance of an interpreter.

Elsewhere

All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from the Library of Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.

Votes

March 31, 2010 Passed That the Bill be now read a third time and do pass.
May 27, 2009 Passed That the Bill be now read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

Justice and Human Rights Committee, on June 15, 2009

  • Paul Burstein, Barrister and Solicitor, Burstein & Unger, As an Individual
  • Louise Aucoin, President, Fédération des associations de juristes d'expression française de common law inc.
  • Michel Doucet, Full Professor and Lawyer , Faculty of Law, University of Moncton, As an Individual
  • Christian E. Michaud, Constitutional Language Rights Lawyer, Partner, Cox & Palmer , As an Individual
  • Rénald Rémillard, Executive Director, Fédération des associations de juristes d'expression française de common law inc.

Justice and Human Rights Committee, on June 17, 2009

  • John Major, Retired, Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Canada, As an Individual
  • Graham Fraser, Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
  • Pascale Giguère, Acting Director and General Counsel, Legal Affairs Branch, Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
  • Christine Ruest Norrena, Legal Counsel, Legal Affairs Branch, Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages

Justice and Human Rights Committee, on Sept. 30, 2009

Justice and Human Rights Committee, on Nov. 4, 2009

  • Don Head, Commissioner, Correctional Service Canada
  • Allan Manson, Professor, Queen's University, Faculty of Law, As an Individual