Latest news with #OfficialLanguages
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo County Council employees praised for embracing the Irish language
The Certificate in Professional Irish, which was completely funded by the Council for staff and delivered over a 10 week period, provided participants with the opportunity to enhance their Irish language skills and deepen their understanding of Ireland's rich linguistic heritage. This initiative reflects the local authority's dedication to fostering a bilingual working environment and improving service delivery through the use of Irish. The certificates were presented at a special event held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, was attended by staff, the Cathaoirleach and members of the executive of Sligo County Council. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Declan Bree said 'Sligo County Council is acutely aware of its responsibilities to the Official Languages legislation and has taken many steps in ensuring compliance with its obligations by employing an Oifigeach Gaeilge, increasing its spend on Irish language advertising and funding Irish courses for staff, like this one.' This initiative is part of a broader programme to promote the use of Irish in the workplace and in public services, in line with national language policy. 'By 2030, the Official Languages Act 2021 provides that at least 20% of new recruits to public service bodies should be competent in the Irish Language.' Praising the successful staff members at the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Councillor Bree said: 'Today is about recognising your progress, your perseverance and your passion. 'Whether you've mastered an modh coinníollach or you're still getting to grips with a response to 'an bhfuil tú go maith?', you are part of a movement — a community of learners who are breathing new life into our national language'.
Montreal Gazette
17-06-2025
- Business
- Montreal Gazette
Quebec sees sharp rise in federal language complaints amid Canada-wide surge
By Canadians aren't staying quiet about language rights. Across the country, there were 1,163 language complaints, compared to 847 during the previous period — a 37 per cent jump, according to the 2024-25 annual report of the Commissioner of Official Languages, published Tuesday. Despite the surge, the total number of complaints remains below the 10-year average. And it's far lower than the 5,409 complaints filed in 2021-22, when thousands of Canadians lodged formal grievances about an English-only speech in Montreal by Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau. The number of federal language complaints filed in Quebec jumped by 21 per cent over the past year, newly released figures show — part of a nationwide increase. Quebecers filed 211 complaints in 2024-25, up from 175 the previous year, the report said. Seventy per cent of the Quebec complaints were about language used in public services, while issues related to language of work came in second at 27 per cent. The complaints allege that federal institutions infringed on rights regarding English or French. Canadians can ask the commissioner to investigate federal government institutions, airport authorities, Crown corporations such as Via Rail and some private companies, including Air Canada and Canadian National Railway. Raymond Théberge, the Commissioner of Official Languages, is scheduled to discuss the figures at a news conference on Tuesday. This story will be updated.
