The Association des Francophones du Nunavut Celebrates Equal Status for the Languages of Nunavut

IQALUIT, NUNAVUT–(June 5, 2008) – The Association des francophones du Nunavut celebrates the recent passing into law of the Official Languages Act of Nunavut on June 4, 2008.

“This is a historic moment for Nunavut,” stated Suzanne Laliberte, president of the Association des francophones du Nunavut. “We are thrilled to have contributed to development of the new Official Languages Act. The Act will protect not only the constitutional rights of the francophone community but also provide the long-needed recognition of the Inuit language. We hope that the Legislative Assembly will soon pass Bill 7, the Inuit Protection Act, to further equity within Nunavut society.”The Association applauds the Government of Nunavut for creating official trilingualism that will be measured by actual results. The Association looks to the Federal Government to ensure its quick passage through the House of Commons and the Senate in accordance to the Nunavut Act. The Harper government has stated that they are committed to the Canadian Arctic. The Association hopes that commitment extends not only to imposing a military presence in the North but also to improving the lives of the citizens of Nunavut.

“The passage of the new Official Languages Act into law is a great step forward for all of us. All three linguistic communities need to flourish for Nunavut to thrive,” continued Ms. Laliberte. “We also hope our federal partners step-up and fulfill their responsibility to provide Nunavut the financial means to implement the Act. In Nunavut, we have shown the will to succeed, now we need the tools.”

For more information, please contact

Association des francophones du Nunavut
Daniel Cuerrier
General Director
867-979-4606 # 29