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From the OJEN Blog

What have you learned about how the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms contributes to protecting French language rights?

Collective rights are rights that are granted to groups in society for historical but also constitutional reasons. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has helped various groups and institutions protect their rights. 

One of its main benefits has been the preservation of French language rights. These rights, given by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, are established and protected by the Canadian Constitution. It always aims to create a society where different group identities are accepted. English and French are fundamental components of the Canadian identity. The importance of language rights is recognized within the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This has made enormous contributions to protecting French-language rights. It recognizes the importance of Canada’s founding Francophones, which contributes to collective identity.

French individuals have benefited from the Charter’s assistance, as we can observe through the debates and proceedings of Parliament.  Parliamentary records must be printed and published in both English and French languages for equitability. Being able to communicate and receive services either in English or French is one the most prevailing rights given by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Section 23 of the Constitution of Canada guarantees minority language education rights to French-speaking communities outside the Province of Quebec.  This guarantees the survival of minority language organizations by allowing them to preserve their culture.  Protecting French language rights benefits parents whose first language is French and who would like to transfer that heritage language to their kids. It also allows French speaking individuals the ability to receive assistance in their preferred language.

— By Kevine Ishimwe M and John Abdelsayed, Youth Leadership Team, Defi de la Charte.


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