Document Information

Date: 2023-07-12 [Updated 2025-08-07]
By: PrimaryDocuments.ca
Citation: PrimaryDocuments.ca, Section 18, Statutes & Records in English and French: Compilation of primary documents to assist in interpreting the public meaning of Section 18 of the Constitution Act, 1982, Second Ed. (August 2025).
Other formats: Click here to view the original document (PDF).
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 18. 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 18

Statutes & Records in English and French

Compilation of primary documents to assist in interpreting the public meaning of Section 18 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 18’s Public Meaning
Endnotes

The Constitution Act, 1982

Part I. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Official Languages of Canada

Parliamentary statutes and records

Section 18(1) The statutes, records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

New Brunswick statutes and records

Section 18(2) The statutes, records and journals of the legislature of New Brunswick shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

PART 1:

Drafting History of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms Pertaining to Section 18’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 constitu-tion 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 Min-ister 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]

—————o0o—————

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)

12. The statutes and the records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions shall be equally authoritative.

(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)

—–o0o—–

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)

9. The statutes and the records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

[…]

13. (1) The statutes [and the records and journals] of the legislatures of (named provinces) shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(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)

—–o0o—–

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)

9. The statutes and the records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

[…]

13. (1) The statutes [and the records and journals] of the legislatures of (named provinces) shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(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)

—–o0o—–

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

12. (1) The statutes and the records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French.

(2) The statutes and the records and journals of the legislatures of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Manitoba shall be printed and published in English and French.

(3) The statutes and the records and journals of the legislature of each province not referred to in subsection (2) shall be printed and published in English and French to the greatest extent practicable accordingly as the legislature of the province prescribes.

(4) Where the statutes of any legislative body described in any of subsections (1) to (3) are printed and published in English and French, both language versions are equally authoritative.

[…]

23. A legislature of a province may, by resolution, declare that any part of sections 12 and 13 that do not expressly apply to that province shall have application, and thereafter such part or parts shall apply to that province in the same terms as to any province expressly named therein.

(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

12. (1) The statutes and the records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French.

(2) The statutes and the records and journals of the legislatures of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Manitoba shall be printed and published in English and French.

(3) The statutes and the records and journals of the legislature of each province not referred to in subsection (2) shall be printed and published in English and French to the greatest extent practicable accordingly as the legislature of the province prescribes.

(4) Where the statutes of any legislative body described in any of subsections (1) to (3) are printed and published in English and French, both language versions are equally authoritative.

[…]

23. A legislature of a province to which subsections 12(2) and 13(2) do not expressly apply may declare that one or both of these subsections shall have application, and thereafter any such provision shall apply to that province in the same terms as to any province expressly named therein.

(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 

20. (1) The statutes and the records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French.

(2) The statutes and the records and journals of the legislatures of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Manitoba shall be printed and published in English and French.

(3) The statutes and the records and journals of the legislature of each province not referred to in subsection (2) shall be printed and published in English and French to the greatest extent practicable accordingly as the legislature of the province prescribes.

(4) Where the statutes of any legislative body described in any of subsections (1) to (3) are printed and published in English and French, both language versions are equally authoritative.

[…]

31. A legislature of a province to which subsections 12(2) and 13(2) do not expressly apply may declare that one or both of these subsections shall have application, and thereafter any such provision shall apply to that province in the same terms as to any province expressly named therein.

(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

95.27. (1) The statutes, and the records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French.

(2) The statutes and records and journals of the legislatures of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Manitoba shall be printed and published in English and French.

(3) The statutes and the records and journals of the legislature of each province not referred to in subsection (2) shall be printed and published in English and French to the greatest extent practicable accordingly as the legislature of the province prescribes.

(4) Where the statutes of any legislative body described in any of subsections (1) to (3) are printed and published in English and French, both language versions are equally authoritative.

[…]

95.38 A legislature of a province to which subsections 12(2) and 13(2) do not expressly apply may declare that one or both of these subsections shall have application, and thereafter any such provision shall apply to that province in the same terms as to any province expressly named therein.

(1) Transitional provisions will be required for repeal of these provisions at an appropriate time.

(2) see transitional for alternative to this section. Should it be in Charter or transitional?

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

—–o0o—–

August 22, 1980: Discussion Draft (Federal)

20. (1) The statutes, records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French.

(2) The statutes, records and journals of the legislatures of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Manitoba shall be printed and published in English and French.

(3) The statutes, records and journals of the legislature of each province not referred to in subsection (2) shall be printed and published in English and French to the greatest extent practicable accordingly as the legislature of the province prescribes.

(4) Where the statutes of Parliament or a provincial legislature are printed and published in English and French, both language versions are equally authoritative.

(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

29. A legislature of a province to which subsections 18(2) and 19(2) do not expressly apply may declare that one or both of those subsections shall have application, and thereafter any such provision shall apply to that province in the same terms as to any province expressly named therein.

(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

18. The statutes, records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(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]

18. The statutes, records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(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]

18. The statutes, records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(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

18. The statutes, records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(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:

18. (1) The statutes, records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(2) The statutes, records and journals of the legislature of New Brunswick shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(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:

18. (1) The statutes, records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(2) The statutes, records and journals of the legislature of New Brunswick shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(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]

18. (1) The statutes, records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(2) The statutes, records and journals of the legislature of New Brunswick shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(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

18. (1) The statutes, records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(2) The statutes, records and journals of the legislature of New Brunswick shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(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:

18. (1) The statutes, records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(2) The statutes, records and journals of the legislature of New Brunswick shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(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]

18. (1) The statutes, records and journals of Parliament shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(2) The statutes, records and journals of the legislature of New Brunswick shall be printed and published in English and French and both language versions are equally authoritative.

(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

12. (1) Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux du Parlement sont imprimés et publiés en français et en anglais.

(2) Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux des corps législatifs de l’Ontario, du Québec, du Nouveau-Brunswick et du Manitoba sont imprimés et publiés en français et en anglais.

(3) Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux des corps législatifs des provinces non mentionnés dans le paragraphe (2) sont imprimés et publiés en français et en anglais dans toute la mesure du possible, détermine par chacun de ces corps législatifs.

(4) Les versions française et anglaise des lois des organes législatifs imprimées et publiées conformément au présent article ont la même valeur.

[…]

23. Le corps législatif d’une province peut, par résolution, décréter l’application a la province de toute disposition des articles 12 et 13 qui ne lui est pas expressément applicable et qui le devient en conséquence de la même manière qu’l une province mentionnée expressément.

(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

18. (1) Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux du Parlement sont imprimés et publiés en français et en anglais.

(2) Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux des législatures de l’Ontario, du Québec, du Nouveau-Brunswick et du Manitoba sont imprimés et publiés en français et en anglais.

(3) Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux des législatures des provinces non mentionnées dans le paragraphe (2) sont imprimés et publiés en français et en anglais dans toute la mesure du possible, conformément à ce qui est prévu par chacune de ces législatures.

(4) Les versions française et anglaise des lois du Parlement et des législatures imprimées et publiées conformément au présent article font également foi.

[…]

29. La législature d’une province où les paragraphes 18(2) et 19(2) ne sont pas expressément applicables, peut déclarer qu’à l’avenir ces paragraphes ou l’un deux seront applicables à la province comme si elle y était expressément désignée.

(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

18. Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux du Parlement sont imprimés et publiés en français et en anglais, les deux versions faisant également foi.

(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]

18. Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux du Parlement sont imprimes et publiés en français et en anglais, les deux versions des lois ayant également force de loi et celles des autres documents ayant même valeur.

(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]

18. Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux du Parlement sont imprimes et publiés en français et en anglais, les deux versions des lois ayant également force de loi et celles des autres documents ayant même valeur.

(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

18. Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux du Parlement sont imprimes et publies en français et en anglais, les deux versions des lois ayant également force de loi et celles des autres documents ayant même valeur.

(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:

18. (1) Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux du Parlement sont imprimes et publies en français et en anglais, les deux versions des lois ayant également force de loi et celles des autres documents ayant même valeur.

(2) Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux de la Législature du Nouveau-Brunswick sont imprimés et publiés en français et en anglais, les deux versions des lois ayant également force de loi et celles des autres documents ayant même valeur.

(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

18. (1) Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux du Parlement sont imprimes et publies en français et en anglais, les deux versions des lois ayant également force de loi et celles des autres documents ayant même valeur.

(2) Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux de la Législature du Nouveau-Brunswick sont imprimés et publiés en français et en anglais, les deux versions des lois ayant également force de loi et celles des autres documents ayant même valeur.

(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:

18. (1) Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux du Parlement sont imprimes et publies en français et en anglais, les deux versions des lois ayant également force de loi et celles des autres documents ayant même valeur.

(2) Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux de la Législature du Nouveau-Brunswick sont imprimés et publiés en français et en anglais, les deux versions des lois ayant également force de loi et celles des autres documents ayant même valeur.

(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[2]

18. (1) Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux du Parlement sont imprimés et publiés en français et en anglais, les deux versions des lois ayant également force de loi et celles des autres documents ayant même valeur.

(2) Les lois, les archives, les comptes rendus et les procès-verbaux de la Législature du Nouveau-Brunswick sont imprimés et publiés en français et en anglais, les deux versions des lois ayant également force de loi et celles des autres documents ayant même valeur.

(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—–

Statutes and International Agreements

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

15. (1) The statutes and the records and journals of the Parliament of Canada shall be printed and published in English and French.

(2) The statutes and the records and journals of the legislatures of Ontario, Québec and New Brunswick shall be printed and published in English and French, and all or any of the statutes and the records and journals of the legislature of any other province shall be printed and published in both of those languages or in either of them, accordingly as its legislature may prescribe.

(3) Where the statutes of any legislative body described in subsection (1) or (2) are printed and published in English and French, both language versions thereof shall be equally authoritative.

(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)

—–o0o—–

ENDNOTES

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

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

Previous Versions of this Report: [Version 1]