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e-4567 (Culture and heritage)

E-petition
Initiated by ERICKA AGUILERA from AURORA, Ontario

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament assembled

Whereas:
  • Canada is home to more than 1.2+ million people whose first language is Spanish. As Spanish speaking immigrants who have settled in this country, our language is an important part of our cultural and ethnic diversity, identity, and traditions;
  • An annual celebration, of Spanish Language Day promotes multilingualism and recognizes the history, culture, traditions, and contribution of the Spanish-speaking communities in Canada;
  • This language day was established by the UN in 2010 to promote the Spanish language while celebrating cultural diversity. Celebrating and proclaiming the Spanish Language Day will increase awareness of the importance of languages and the respect for the history, cultures, and achievements of all the Spanish-speaking communities. Coincidentally, Spanish Language Day and English Language Day are recognized and celebrated on April 23 around the world;
  • Celebrating and proclaiming the Spanish Language Day aligns with Canada’s strategies to celebrate multiculturalism, inclusion, and diversity. According to Statistics Canada, Spanish is the third most spoken language after the official languages;
  • The cities of Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, and Toronto have proclaimed Spanish language day. In addition, a greeting from the Premier of Ontario was provided; and
  • Promoting multilingualism allows people to conect and understand each other, collaborate and continue to foster identity and community.
We, the undersigned, Members of the Spanish Speaking Communities in Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to Proclaim April 23rd as Spanish Language Day at the Federal level to continue promoting the development and contribution of the entire Hispanic community in Canada.

Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb Noormohamed

The Government of Canada would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their interest in declaring the 23rd of April as Spanish Language Day. The promotion and protection of human rights, including freedom of expression, is an important part of Canada’s engagement in the world. Canada’s multicultural experience is reflective of our efforts to champion inclusive governance, pluralism, and respect for diversity in all spheres of society. 

Please note that it is not necessary for the federal government to officially declare a special day, week, month, or year in order for it to be observed by the Canadian population. In fact, we currently observe a number of special times of recognition that have been declared by entities and organizations other than the federal government. For example, Canadians celebrate Zero Discrimination Day on March 1st and Pride Month in June.

The Government does officially recognize however certain months and days such as Black History Month in February and Journée internationale de la Francophonie on March 20th. For more information on the recognition of special days, weeks, and months, we invite you to consult the following web page: https://lop.parl.ca/sites/PublicWebsite/default/en_CA/ResearchPublications/201506E . The web page describes the processes by which a day, week or month may be recognized in Canada. It also describes the difference between observances that are legal holidays, where employees are paid for time off, and those that receive symbolic recognition, with particular attention to designations at the federal level.

Open for signature
September 11, 2023, at 2:16 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
October 11, 2023, at 2:16 p.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Julie Dzerowicz (Davenport)
March 19, 2024 (Petition No. 441-02244)
Government response tabled
May 2, 2024
Photo - Julie Dzerowicz
Davenport
Liberal Caucus
Ontario