Bill S-211 explained in plain English
An Act to establish International Mother Language Day
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. MP vote breakdowns appear when the House of Commons publishes a recorded division export for that bill. Senate and House stage details include official debate/sitting links when LEGISinfo publishes them.
Our plain-language take, written for civic education.
Source: By PoliticalData.ca
Bill S-211 designates February 21st of each year as International Mother Language Day across Canada, but it is not a legal holiday.
This bill establishes February 21st as "International Mother Language Day" in Canada every year. The day recognizes and celebrates the value of the many languages spoken by Canadians, including English, French, and over 60 Aboriginal languages. However, the bill makes clear that this is not a legal holiday or a non-juridical day, meaning businesses, schools, and government offices will operate normally on that date. The bill is based on an international designation made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999, and it aligns with some Canadian provinces and cities that already recognize the day.
- Designates February 21st of each year as International Mother Language Day throughout Canada
- Recognizes linguistic and cultural diversity as important to Canada
- Clarifies that International Mother Language Day is not a legal holiday and does not affect normal business or government operations
- All Canadians
- Indigenous peoples whose Aboriginal languages are recognized and celebrated through this designation
- Federal, provincial, and municipal governments and organizations that may choose to recognize or commemorate the day
- February 21st of each year is designated as International Mother Language Day
- The bill does not specify what, if any, government activities or commemorations will occur on International Mother Language Day
- The bill does not create obligations for any organization or individual to recognize or celebrate the day
- The bill does not establish funding or resources for language preservation initiatives
- The bill's practical effect is largely symbolic, as it is explicitly not a legal holiday
Generated using AI from official bill text. Not legal advice. It is written by PoliticalData.ca for civic education, automatically checked and spot-reviewed before publishing.
Official textParliamentary Process
Bill S-211, concerning the establishment of International Mother Language Day, completed its first reading in the Senate on October 27, 2020, and has since proceeded through the legislative process to the second reading stage in the House of Commons.
This record shows the procedural steps for Bill S-211 in the Senate. The bill was given its First Reading on October 27, 2020. This is a formal step where the bill is introduced to the Senate and typically includes a sponsor's speech. The provided text indicates that after its first reading in the Senate, the bill proceeded through second reading, committee study, and third reading in the Senate before moving to the House of Commons, where it is currently at the second reading stage. Speeches from Senators Mobina S.B. Jaffer, Salma Ataullahjan, and Ratna Omidvar are noted as occurring at the second reading stage in the Senate.
On October 27, 2020, the Senate held a sitting that included the introduction of Bill S-211 "An Act to establish International Mother Language Day" at first reading, adopted a motion to authorize hybrid sittings, and addressed various other legislative and procedural matters.
On October 27, 2020, the Senate convened. The sitting included several "Senators' Statements" on various topics, including Small Business Week, recognizing notable individuals, and Latin American Heritage Month. Under "Routine Proceedings," several bills were introduced and received first reading, including "An Act to establish International Mother Language Day" (Bill S-211). The Senate also addressed procedural matters, including motions related to hybrid sittings and committee appointments. "Question Period" covered a range of topics, including foreign affairs, health, public safety, finance, and business of the Senate. The "Orders of the Day" section indicates that debates on various committee reports, bills, and inquiries were either continued, adjourned, or placed on the order paper for future consideration. Notably, a motion to authorize hybrid sittings was debated and adopted, allowing senators to participate remotely. The sitting adjourned after considering various matters, including bills and committee reports.
This record outlines the Senate's second reading stage for Bill S-211, noting speeches by Senators and subsequent procedural steps before the bill moved to the House of Commons.
This artifact details the procedural stages of Bill S-211 in the Senate. On March 30, 2021, the bill reached its second reading in the Senate, where speeches were made by Senators Mobina S.B. Jaffer, Salma Ataullahjan, and Ratna Omidvar. The process continued with committee consideration and third reading in the Senate before the bill moved to the House of Commons. The artifact also lists similar bills that have been introduced in previous parliamentary sessions. The bill was completed at the Senate Second reading stage.
The Senate sitting on March 30, 2021, included routine proceedings, question period on COVID-19, and debates on multiple bills, with the debate on Bill S-211, An Act to establish International Mother Language Day, being adjourned at the second reading stage.
This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting on March 30, 2021. The sitting included statements from senators on various topics, routine proceedings where reports were tabled and bills were introduced, a question period discussing COVID-19 vaccines and other government actions, and debates on several bills including appropriation bills, a bill to amend the Citizenship Act, and others. The record also shows that Bill S-211, An Act to establish International Mother Language Day, was at the second reading stage and the debate was adjourned.
During the Senate debate on Bill S-211 to establish International Mother Language Day, Senators Jaffer, Ataullahjan, and Omidvar spoke in favour, highlighting the importance of linguistic diversity and mother tongues to Canadian identity and culture.
On March 30, 2021, the Senate debated Bill S-211, An Act to establish International Mother Language Day. Senator Mobina S. B. Jaffer spoke in favour of the bill, emphasizing the importance of mother languages for identity and cultural diversity in Canada, sharing personal anecdotes and highlighting the efforts of individuals and communities in preserving and celebrating linguistic diversity. Senator Salma Ataullahjan also spoke in support, referencing the personal connection between mother tongue and identity, and the benefits of multilingualism, while also acknowledging the challenges faced by Indigenous languages. Senator Ratna Omidvar further contributed to the discussion, underscoring the significance of mother languages as the 'soul of a culture and people' and the multilingual nature of Canada, sharing her own experiences with language and identity. The debate was adjourned, meaning the discussion on the bill was not completed on this date.
On May 6, 2021, the Senate held a sitting that included statements by senators, routine proceedings, question period on various issues, and extensive debate and procedural matters related to multiple bills, including the progression of Bill S-211 to committee and the debate and passage of Bill C-3.
This artifact details a Senate sitting on May 6, 2021. The sitting included various procedural activities, including "Senators' Statements" where senators spoke about various topics and individuals, "Routine Proceedings" where a bill was introduced, and "Question Period" where senators asked questions of the Government Representative on diverse issues such as COVID-19 vaccine rollout, pandemic supplies, international aid, vaccine patents, anti-Asian racism, the mandate of Justice Louise Arbour, the position of Governor General, access to safe drinking water, and compensation for dairy farmers. The "Orders of the Day" section shows numerous bills at various stages of the legislative process, including debates, motions, and referrals to committee. Notably, Bill S-211, "An Act to establish International Mother Language Day," reached second reading and was referred to committee. There was also a significant point of order raised by Senator Plett regarding Senate rules and procedures, and extensive debate on Bill C-3, "An Act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code," including a motion in amendment that was ultimately negatived, followed by the bill's third reading and passage. Finally, the sitting included "Delayed Answers to Oral Questions" and concluded with the "Adjournment" of the Senate.
Bill S-211, to establish International Mother Language Day, completed its committee stage in the Senate and has proceeded to the House of Commons for second reading.
This artifact outlines the procedural steps taken for Bill S-211, An Act to establish International Mother Language Day, within the Senate. It indicates that the bill completed its committee stage in the Senate. The artifact also details the bill's progress, including its first and second readings in the Senate, and its subsequent movement to the House of Commons where it is currently at second reading. It also lists similar bills that have been introduced in Parliament.
The Senate's Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee presented its report on Bill S-211, indicating no amendments were needed and scheduling the bill for third reading.
On June 15, 2021, the Senate of Canada met. During the sitting, the Senate's Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology presented its Eighth Report on Bill S-211, An Act to establish International Mother Language Day. The committee reported that they had examined the bill and found no amendments to make. Following this, the bill was scheduled for a third reading at the next sitting of the Senate.
Bill S-211 completed its Senate third reading and then proceeded to first reading in the House of Commons.
This artifact shows that Bill S-211 completed its third reading in the Senate on June 17, 2021. Following this, the bill moved to the House of Commons where it received first reading on June 23, 2021. It was then placed on the Order of Precedence on June 23, 2021, indicating it is awaiting further action at the House of Commons second reading stage.
During a Senate sitting on June 17, 2021, several bills were debated and passed, including those establishing International Mother Language Day and amending tax and criminal codes, while significant debate also occurred on sports betting legislation.
This Senate sitting on June 17, 2021, included tributes to departing pages, statements on World Refugee Day, Filipino Heritage Month, and other topics. Routine proceedings saw the tabling of Supplementary Estimates and a report on a bill to amend the Citizenship Act. The Senate also adopted a motion regarding adjournment and authorized a committee to meet during the adjournment. Question Period addressed various government matters, including the National Microbiology Laboratory, funding for library access, and allegations against General Vance. The sitting concluded with the third reading and passage of Bill S-211 (International Mother Language Day), Bill S-222 (an Act to amend the Income Tax Act), and Bill C-208 (an Act to amend the Income Tax Act related to small business transfers). There was also extensive debate and a failed amendment related to Bill C-218 (an Act to amend the Criminal Code regarding sports betting).
Bill S-211, aiming to establish International Mother Language Day, completed its first reading in the House of Commons on October 27, 2020, and was later placed on the Order of Precedence on June 23, 2021.
This record shows that Bill S-211, "An Act to establish International Mother Language Day," was presented for first reading in the House of Commons on October 27, 2020. It was later placed on the Order of Precedence on June 23, 2021. The bill has since moved through other stages in the House of Commons, including second reading, consideration in committee, and third reading. The record also indicates similar bills were introduced in previous Parliaments.
During the first reading stage of Bill S-211 on June 23, 2021, the House of Commons engaged in statements, questions, and debated various other items of business before adjourning.
On June 23, 2021, during the first reading stage in the House of Commons, the House proceeded with various items of business, including Statements by Members, Oral Questions, Points of Order, and Private Members' Business. Notably, Bill S-211, "An Act to establish International Mother Language Day", was introduced and read for the first time, a procedural step. The House also held divisions (votes) on several bills and reports, with some passing and others being negatived. The sitting concluded with acknowledgements at the end of the parliamentary session and the adjournment of the House.
Bill S-211 was placed on the House of Commons Order of Precedence for second reading on June 23, 2021, with no further activity recorded for that day.
This record indicates that Bill S-211, concerning the establishment of International Mother Language Day, was placed in the Order of Precedence for second reading in the House of Commons on June 23, 2021. The record shows no further procedural activity for this specific stage on this date. It also lists previous and subsequent stages of the bill's progress, including first reading, consideration in committee, and third reading, as well as related Senate activity and similar bills from past parliamentary sessions.
Bill S-211, an Act to establish International Mother Language Day, is currently awaiting 'House of Commons Consideration in committee' after having completed its second reading in the House of Commons.
This artifact describes the procedural stage of Bill S-211, An Act to establish International Mother Language Day, in the House of Commons. The bill has reached the stage of 'House of Commons Consideration in committee' but this stage has not yet occurred. The artifact also lists the bill's past activities, including its first and second readings, and notes that major speeches occurred during the second reading phase. It also references similar bills introduced in the Senate and the House of Commons in this and previous Parliaments. The bill's status is currently 'At second reading in the House of Commons'.
Bill S-211, aiming to establish International Mother Language Day, has not yet reached the Report stage in the House of Commons, with its latest procedural activity being its placement in the Order of Precedence.
This record indicates that Bill S-211, an act to establish International Mother Language Day, has not yet reached the Report stage in the House of Commons. The latest activity recorded for this bill was its placement in the Order of Precedence on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. The bill's history shows it went through first reading on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, second reading on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, and third reading on Thursday, June 17, 2021, all within the House of Commons. It also received first reading in the Senate on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. The provided text also lists similar bills introduced in the current and previous Parliaments.
Bill S-211, to establish International Mother Language Day, has not yet reached Third Reading in the House of Commons, with its latest activity being placed in the Order of Precedence.
This artifact indicates that Bill S-211, concerning the establishment of International Mother Language Day, has not yet reached the Third Reading stage in the House of Commons. The latest recorded activity for this bill in the House of Commons was its placement in the Order of Precedence on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. The artifact also lists previous stages of the bill's process, including First Reading, Second Reading, Consideration in committee, and Third Reading, along with their dates. It also notes similar bills that have been introduced in the current and previous Parliaments.
Debate and sitting links point to official parliamentary sources when LEGISinfo publishes them. Any plain-language discussion summaries should be generated from those official texts and reviewed before public display.
Vote Summary
This bill is still active. We only show vote counts after the legislature publishes a recorded division.
No published representative vote breakdown
This bill is still moving through the process. When a recorded division is published, representative positions can be listed here.
Official sources
Status, sponsor, votes, and timeline on this page are drawn from these official legislative sources and public records. Each summary above is attributed to its own source.
How this data is sourced