Indigenous languages now have a place in the legislature

By Mike Stimpson  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The rules of Ontario’s legislature have changed to accommodate Indigenous languages. Government House Leader Paul Calandra moved in the legislature Tuesday morning that the chamber’s Standing Order 24(a) be amended to say members may use English, French “or an Indigenous language spoken in Canada” when addressing the Speaker or chamber. After some debate, the motion carried in a voice vote. Standing orders are written rules for proceedings in a parliament that remain in place in its next session unless amended. Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford, who is minister of Indigenous Affairs, spoke in support of the motion and said he hoped “that someday we may have a broader representation of First Nations people” in Ontario’s legislative assembly. “We’ve got to start somewhere,” he…

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