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Date: 2023-07-12 [Updated 2025-08-07]
By: PrimaryDocuments.ca
Citation: PrimaryDocuments.ca, Section 16, Official Languages of Canada: Compilation of primary documents to assist in interpreting the public meaning of Section 16 of the Constitution Act, 1982, Second Ed. (August 2025).
Other formats: Click here to view the original document (PDF).
Please Note:
Please Note: Due to recent discoveries of new Charter drafts (which will be published in an upcoming academic paper and are available on our site), users are advised to consult this table, which has an up-to-date drafting history for Section 16. This table replaces the drafting history found below in this report. 

The PDF and HTML below will not always align. The PDF serves as a record in time, whereas the HTML will constantly be updated. The PDF will be updated occasionally and all former versions of the report will be available for download when a new version is uploaded. For now, the PDF contains the original version of the report.

SECTION 16

Official Languages of Canada

Compilation of primary documents to assist in interpreting the public meaning of Section 16 of the Constitution Act, 1982

Second Edition

August, 2025

Short Table of Contents

Part 1: The Drafting History of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms Pertaining to Section 16’s Public Meaning
Endnotes

The Constitution Act, 1982

Part I. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Official Languages of Canada

Official languages of Canada

Section 16(1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and government of Canada.

Official languages of New Brunswick

Section 16(2) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the legislature and government of New Brunswick.

Advancement of status and use

Section 16(3) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or a legislature to advance the equality of status or use of English and French.

PART 1:

Drafting History of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms Pertaining to Section 16’s Public Meaning

Drafts of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms:

January 22, 1979: Proposed Charter of Rights & Freedoms, Ontario Draft tabled at the Continuing Committee of Ministers on the Constitution (January 22-24, 1979)
October 17, 1979: Rights and Freedoms within the Canadian Federation, Federal Draft, tabled at the Continuing Committee of Ministers on the Constitution (October 22-23, 1979)
November 5, 1979: Rights and Freedoms within the Canadian Federation, Federal Draft, tabled at the Meeting of Officials on the Constitution (November 15-16, 1979)
July 4, 1980: Continuing Committee of Ministers on the Constitution, Rights and Freedoms within the Canadian Federation, Discussion Draft (July 8-11, 1980)
July 4, 1980: Comité Permanent des Ministres sur la Constitution, Droits et Libertés à l’Interieur de la Fédération Canadienne, Document de Travail (July 8-11, 1980)
July 16, 1980: Revised Discussion Draft with Memo re Section 1 (July 18, 1980)
August 5, 1980: Revised Discussion Draft with Memo (August 5, 1980)
August 8, 1980: Formalities to Bill: Joint Resolution (August 8, 1980)
August 22, 1980: Discussion Draft (Federal) (August 26-29, 1980)
September 3, 1980: Revised Discussion Draft (September 8-12, 1980)
September 3, 1980 : Conference Fédérale-Provinciale des Premiers Ministres, Document de Travail, Charte Canadienne des Droits et Libertés (September 3, 1980)
September 24, 1980: Resolution for joint address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the constitution of Canada (September 24, 1980)
October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada with Handwritten Notes [Draft, Version1] (October 2, 1980)
October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada with Handwritten Notes [Draft, Version 2] (October 2, 1980)
October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada
December 5, 1980: Addendum to Ministers dated November 25, 1980 from the Minister of Justice re: Possible Amendments to Proposed Resolution on Constitution of Canada (December 5, 1980)
December 8, 1980: Addendum to Memorandum to Ministers Dated November 25, 1980 from the Minister of Justice re: Possible Amendments to Proposed Resolution on Constitution of Canada (December 5, 1980)
December 12, 1980: Draft [No Title]
December 19, 1980: Consolidation of Proposed Amendments to the Proposed Resolution Respecting the Constitution of Canada (December 19, 1980)
December 30, 1980: Regroupement des Modifications Éventuelles à Apporter au Projet de Résolution concernant la Constitution du Canada, Version Provisoire (December 30, 1980)
January 9-12, 1981: Briefing Book for Clause by Clause Consideration of the Resolution (January 1981)
January 12, 1981: Version formally presented to Special Joint Committee by Jean Chretien (January 12, 1981)

Statutes and International Agreements:

1978: Bill C-60: An Act to amend the Constitution of Canada

[This section is incomplete]

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Drafts of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms

January 22, 1979: Proposed Charter of Rights & Freedoms, Ontario Draft tabled at the Continuing Committee of Ministers on the Constitution (January 22-24, 1979)

10. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada, having the status and protection set forth in this Charter.

(2) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or of the legislature of a province to extend the status protection or use of the English and French languages.

(Source: Continuing Committee of Ministers on the Constitution, Proposed Charter of Rights & Freedoms, Ontario Draft, Doc 830-70/042 (Vancouver: 22-24 January, 1979). Click HERE)

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October 17, 1979: Rights and Freedoms within the Canadian Federation, Federal Draft, tabled at the Continuing Committee of Ministers on the Constitution (October 22-23, 1979)

7. English and French are the official languages of Canada, having the status and protection set forth in this Charter.

(2) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or of the legislature of a province to extend the status, protection or use of the English and French languages.

(Source: Continuing Committee of Ministers on the Constitution, Rights and Freedoms within the Canadian Federation Federal Draft , [October 17, 1979] (Halifax: 22-23 October, 1979). Click HERE)

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November 5, 1979: Rights and Freedoms within the Canadian Federation, Federal Draft, tabled at the Meeting of Officials on the Constitution (November 15-16, 1979)

7. English and French are the official languages of Canada, having the status and protection set forth in this Charter.

(2) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or of the legislature of a province to extend the status, protection or use of the English and French languages.

(Source: Meeting of Officials on the Constitution, Rights & Freedoms within Canadian Federation, Federal Draft, [November 5, 1979], Doc 840-177/005 (Toronto: 15-16 November, 1979). Click HERE)

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July 4, 1980: Continuing Committee of Ministers on the Constitution, Rights and Freedoms within the Canadian Federation, Discussion Draft

10. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada, having the status and protection set forth in this Charter.

(2) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or of the legislature of a province to extend the status, protection or use of the English and French languages.

(Source: Meeting of the Continuing Committee of Ministers on the Constitution, Rights and Freedoms within the Canadian Federation, Discussion Draft. Tabled by the Delegation of the Government of Canada, 4 July 1980, Doc 830-81/027 (Montreal: 8-11 July 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

July 16, 1980: Revised Discussion Draft with Memo re Section 1

10. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.

(2) In addition, English and French have the status set forth in this Charter, and nothing therein limits the authority of Parliament or a legislature to extend the status or use of the two languages.

(Source: Memo from Fred Jordan to Roger Tassé re Charter of Rights – Possible Modifications [with Possible Alternatives to Section 1 of July 4, 1980 Draft & Revised Discussion Draft (16 July 1980)] (18 July 1980). This text is found on p. 2. Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

August 5, 1980: Revised Discussion Draft with Memo 

10. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.

(2) In addition, English and French have the status set forth in this Charter, and nothing therein limits the authority of Parliament or a legislature to extend the status or use of the two languages.*

(* New Brunswick may wish special provision added respecting status of English and French in that province.)

(Source: Memo from Deputy Minister of Justice to Prime Minister, Charter of Rights incl. Discussion Draft, The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (5 August 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

August 8, 1980: Formalities to Bill: Joint Resolution

10. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.

(2) In addition, English and French have the status set forth in this Charter, and nothing therein limits the authority of Parliament or a legislature to extend the status or use of the two languages.*

(* New Brunswick may wish special provision added respecting status of English and French in that province.)

(Source: Canada, Formalities to Bill, Draft Joint Resolution, An Act to Amend the Constitution of Canada (8 August 1980). Click HERE)

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August 22, 1980: Discussion Draft (Federal)

18. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.(*)

(2) In addition, English and French have the status set forth in this Charter, which does not limit the authority of Parliament or a legislature to extend the status or use of the two languages or either of them.

(* New Brunswick may wish special provision added respecting status of English and French in that province.)

(Source: Continuing Committee of Ministers on the Constitution, The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Discussion Draft [Federal], (August 22, 1980), Doc 830-84/004 (Ottawa: 26-29 August 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

September 3, 1980: Revised Discussion Draft

16. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.(*)

(2) In addition, English and French have the status set forth in this Charter, which does not limit the authority of Parliament or a legislature to extend the status or use of the two languages or either of them.

(* New Brunswick may wish special provision added respecting status of English and French in that province.)

(Source: Federal-Provincial First Ministers’ Conference, The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Revised Discussion Draft, Federal, [September 3, 1980] Doc 800-14/064 (Ottawa: 8-12 September 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

September 24, 1980: Resolution for joint address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the constitution of Canada

16. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.

(2) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or a legislature to extend the status or use of English and French or either of those languages.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, DRAFT, “Resolution for joint address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the constitution of Canada” (24 September 1980). Click HERE)

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October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada with Handwritten Notes [Draft, Version1]

16. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.

(2) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or a legislature to extend the status or use of English and French or either of those languages.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, DRAFT, Proposed Resolution for Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen Respecting the Constitution of Canada, Version 1 (2 October 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada with Handwritten Notes [Draft, Version 2]

16. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.

(2) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or a legislature to extend the status or use of English and French or either of those languages.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, DRAFT, Proposed Resolution for Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen Respecting the Constitution of Canada, Version 2 with Handwritten Notes (2 October 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada

16. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.

(2) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or a legislature to extend the status or use of English and French or either of those languages.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, “Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada” in Sessional Papers (1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

December 5, 1980: Addendum to Ministers dated November 25, 1980 from the Minister of Justice re: Possible Amendments to Proposed Resolution on Constitution of Canada:

16. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.

(2) English and French are the official languages of New Brunswick and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the legislature and government of New Brunswick.

(3) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or a legislature to extend the status or use of English and French or either of those languages.

(Source: Memo from E.I. MacDonald, Addendum to Ministers dated November 25, 1980 from the Minister of Justice re: Possible Amendments to Proposed Resolution on Constitution of Canada (5 December 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

December 8, 1980: Addendum to Memorandum to Ministers Dated November 25, 1980 from the Minister of Justice re: Possible Amendments to Proposed Resolution on Constitution of Canada:

16. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.

(2) English and French are the official languages of New Brunswick and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the legislature and government of New Brunswick.

(3) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or a legislature to extend the status or use of English and French or either of those languages.

(Source: Memo from E.I. MacDonald, Addendum to Ministers dated November 25, 1980 from the Minister of Justice re: Possible Amendments to Proposed Resolution on Constitution of Canada (5 December 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

December 12, 1980: Draft [No Title]

17. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.

(2) English and French are the official languages of New Brunswick and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the legislature and government of New Brunswick.

(3) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or a legislature to extend the status or use of English and French or either of those languages.

(Source: [Department of Justice?], [DRAFT], Constitution Act, 1980. Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

December 19, 1980: Consolidation of Proposed Amendments to the Proposed Resolution Respecting the Constitution of Canada

17. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.

(2) English and French are the official languages of New Brunswick and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the legislature and government of New Brunswick.

(3) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or a legislature to extend the status or use of English and French or either of those languages.

(Source: Consolidation of Proposed Amendments to the Proposed Resolution Respecting the Constitution of Canada (19 December 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

January 9-12, 1981: Briefing Book for Clause by Clause Consideration of the Resolution:

16. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.

(2) English and French are the official languages of New Brunswick and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the legislature and government of New Brunswick.

(3) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or a legislature to advance the equality of status or use of English and French or either of those languages.

(Source: Canada, Briefing Book for Clause by Clause Consideration of the Resolution (January 1981). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

January 12, 1981: Version formally presented to Special Joint Committee by Jean Chretien[1]

16. (1) English and French are the official languages of Canada and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and government of Canada.

(2) English and French are the official languages of New Brunswick and have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the legislature and government of New Brunswick.

(3) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or a legislature to advance the equality of status or use of English and French.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, Minutes of Proceedings and Evidence of the Special Joint Committee of the Senate and of the House of Commons on the Constitution of Canada, 32nd Parl, 1st Sess, No 36 (12 January 1981). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

French

July 4, 1980: Comité Permanent des Ministres sur la Constitution, Droits et Libertés à l’Interieur de la Fédération Canadienne, Document de Travail

10. (1) Le français et l’anglais sent les langues officielles du Canada avec le statut et la protection accordés par la présente Charte.

(2) La présente Charte n’a pas pour effet de limiter le pouvoir du Parlement et des corps législatifs provinciaux d’améliorer le statut des langues française et anglaise, d’en accentuer la protection ou d’en développer l’usage.

(Source: Comité Permanent des Ministres sur la Constitution, Droits et Libertés à l’Interieur de la Fédération Canadienne, Document de Travail, Doc: 830-81/027 (Montréal: 8-11 juillet 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

September 3, 1980 : Conference Fédérale-Provinciale des Premiers Ministres, Document de Travail, Charte Canadienne des Droits et Libertés

16. (1) Le français et l’anglais sont les langues officielles du Canada; elles ont un statut et des droits et privilèges égaux quant à leur usage dans les institutions du Parlement et du gouvernement du Canada.

(2) D’autre part, le français et l’anglais jouissent du statut qu’accorde la présente Charte, cette dernière ne limite pas le pouvoir du Parlement et des législatures d’améliorer le statut de ces langues ou d’en développer l’usage.

(Source: Conference Fédérale-Provinciale des Premiers Ministres, Document de Travail, Charte Canadienne des Droits et Libertés (3 septembre 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

September 24, 1980: Resolution for joint address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the constitution of Canada

16. 1) Le français et l’anglais sont les langues officielles du Canada; elles ont un statut et des droits et privilèges égaux quant à leur usage dans les institutions du Parlement et du gouvernement du Canada.

2) La présente charte ne limite pas le pouvoir du Parlement et des législatures d’améliorer le statut du français et de l’anglais ou de l’une de ces langues, ou d’en développer l’usage.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, DRAFT, “Resolution for joint address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the constitution of Canada” (24 September 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada with Handwritten Notes [Draft, Version1]

16. (1) Le français et l’anglais sont les langues officielles du Canada; elles ont un statut et des droits et privilèges égaux quant à leur usage dans les institutions du Parlement et du gouvernement du Canada.

(2) La présente charte ne limite pas le pouvoir du Parlement et des législatures d’améliorer le statut du français et de l’anglais ou de l’une de ces langues, ou d’en développer l’usage.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, DRAFT, Proposed Resolution for Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen Respecting the Constitution of Canada, Version 1 (2 October 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada with Handwritten Notes [Draft, Version 2]

16. (1) Le français et l’anglais sont les langues officielles du Canada; elles ont un statut et des droits et privilèges égaux quant à leur usage dans les institutions du Parlement et du gouvernement du Canada.

(2) La présente charte ne limite pas le pouvoir du Parlement et des législatures d’améliorer le statut du français et de l’anglais ou de l’une de ces langues, ou d’en développer l’usage.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, DRAFT, Proposed Resolution for Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen Respecting the Constitution of Canada, Version 2 with Handwritten Notes (2 October 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada

16. (1) Le français et l’anglais sont les langues officielles du Canada; elles ont un statut et des droits et privilèges égaux quant à leur usage dans les institutions du Parlement et du gouvernement du Canada.

(2) La présente charte ne limite pas le pouvoir du Parlement et des législatures d’améliorer le statut du français et de l’anglais ou de l’une de ces langues, ou d’en développer l’usage.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, “Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada” in Sessional Papers (1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

December 8, 1980: Addendum to Memorandum to Ministers Dated November 25, 1980 from the Minister of Justice re: Possible Amendments to Proposed Resolution on Constitution of Canada:

16. (1) Le français et l’anglais sont les langues officielles du Canada; elles ont un statut et des droits et privilèges égaux quant à leur usage dans les institutions du Parlement et du gouvernement du Canada.

(2) Le français et l’anglais sont les langues officielles du Nouveau-Brunswick; elles ont un statut et des droits et privilèges égaux quant à leur usage dans les institutions de la Législature et du gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick.

(3) La présente charte ne limite pas le pouvoir du Parlement et des législatures d’améliorer le statut du français et de l’anglais ou de l’une de ces langues, ou d’en développer l’usage.

(Source: Memo from E.I. MacDonald, Addendum to Ministers dated November 25, 1980 from the Minister of Justice re: Possible Amendments to Proposed Resolution on Constitution of Canada (5 December 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

December 30, 1980: Regroupement des Modifications Éventuelles à Apporter au Projet de Résolution concernant la Constitution du Canada, Version Provisoire

16. (1) Le français et l’anglais sont les langues officielles du Canada; elles ont un statut et des droits et privilèges égaux quant à leur usage dans les institutions du Parlement et du gouvernement du Canada.

(2) Le français et l’anglais sont les langues officielles du Nouveau-Brunswick; elles ont un statut et des droits et privilèges égaux quant à leur usage dans les institutions de la Législature et du gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick.

(3) La présente charte ne limite pas le pouvoir du Parlement et des législatures d’améliorer le statut du français et de l’anglais ou de l’une de ces langues, ou d’en développer l’usage.

(Source: Regroupement des Modifications Éventuelles à Apporter au Projet de Résolution concernant la Constitution du Canada, Version Provisioire (30 décembre 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

January 9-12, 1981: Briefing Book for Clause by Clause Consideration of the Resolution:

16. (1) Le français et l’anglais sont les langues officielles du Canada; elles ont un statut et des droits et privilèges égaux quant à leur usage dans les institutions du Parlement et du gouvernement du Canada.

(2) Le français et l’anglais sont les langues officielles du Nouveau-Brunswick; elles ont un statut et des droits et privilèges égaux quant à leur usage dans les institutions de la Législature et du gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick.

(3) La présente charte ne limite pas le pouvoir du Parlement et des législatures de favoriser la progression vers l’égalité de statut ou d’usage du français ou de l’anglais.

(Source: Canada, Briefing Book for Clause by Clause Consideration of the Resolution (January 1981). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

Statutes and International Agreements

June 20, 1978: Bill C-60: An Act to amend the Constitution of Canada

13. The English and French languages are the official languages of Canada for all purposes declared by the Parliament of Canada or the legislature of any province, acting within the legislative authority of each respectively.

(Source: Bill C-60, An Act to amend the Constitution of Canada with respect to matters coming within the legislative authority of the Parliament of Canada, and to approve and authorize the taking of measures necessary for the amendment of the Constitution with respect to certain other matters, 3rd Sess, 30th Parl, SC, 1978 (June 20, 1978). Click HERE)

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ENDNOTES

[1]    See also January 9-12, 1981: Briefing Book for Clause by Clause Consideration of the Resolution.

Previous Versions of this Report: [Version 1]