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Language act flawed
Paul Bickford Northern News Services Published Monday, October 13, 2008
"It's vague and ambiguous," said Shannon Gullberg. The commissioner outlined her concerns on Oct. 8 at a meeting of the Official Languages Board - an advisory body for the GNWT. Gullberg, who is not a member of the board, said the act talks in generalities about providing services to the public in the NWT's 11 official languages. The territorial act states services are to be provided in any given language if there exists significant demand, depending on the nature of the program being delivered. However, Gullberg said the territorial act, unlike the federal legislation, gives no definition of "significant demand" and the kinds of services that should be offered in the various languages. The act only provides policies and guidelines, she said, adding that is not legally binding. "That is the biggest flaw in the legislation," she said. In such a situation, she said services in official languages other than English or French are not widely available. Gullberg said the act also allows any MLA to use his or her own language in the legislative assembly, but it doesn't guarantee translation. "It doesn't say anything about whether it will be understood," she said. According to Gullberg, another big issue is whether contractors working for the GNWT are obliged to provide services in the official languages. Members of the Official Languages Board also expressed concern about the act. Chairperson Elizabeth Biscaye and other members wondered why two separate boards were created under the act. The Aboriginal Languages Revitalization Board exists alongside the Official Languages Board. Both boards share many of the same members. "That's created a lot of confusion. People are not clear on the roles of the board," said Biscaye, adding communities would rather deal with one board. Biscaye added members of the boards also feel frustrated. "We don't seem to be taken seriously," she said. Biscaye added there needs to be more support for aboriginal languages. The act is currently being reviewed by the GNWT. The review began in the spring and a report is expected next spring.
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