All events for 1980 – 1989
1988
In the Mercure and Paquette cases, the Supreme Court of Canada confirms bilingualism in Saskatchewan and Alberta
The Court recognizes that section 110 of the Northwest Territories Act still applies to those provinces.
1988
Saskatchewan adopts its Act Respecting the Use of the English and French Languages in Saskatchewan
It is the first provincial act to define the status of the French language in Saskatchewan.
1988
The Government of Canada passes the new Official Languages Act
The new Official Languages Act ensures the full implementation of the language rights guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
1988
The Parliament of Canada passes the Canadian Multiculturalism Act
The Act supports Canada’s linguistic duality, where English and French are Canada’s official languages.
1988
Yukon adopts its Languages Act
Yukon’s Languages Act recognizes the status of French and highlights the importance of Aboriginal languages.
1988
The Supreme Court of Canada renders its decision in the Ford case
Quebec invokes the notwithstanding clause of the Constitution to retain the exclusive use of French on outdoor signage.
1988
The Collège de l’Acadie is founded
This French-language community college is established in Nova Scotia under provincial legislation in 1988 and opens its doors to students in 1992.
1989
Dialogue New Brunswick is created
Dialogue New Brunswick sets itself apart from every other organization by eschewing political and economic goals.
1989
Manitoba develops its French Language Services Policy
The Policy is adopted 10 years after the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the province’s Official Language Act, which made English Manitoba’s sole official language, was unconstitutional.
1989
The Fête franco-albertaine makes its debut
It starts with a group of young Francophones who organize a family camping trip.
1989
The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal rules in favour of the right to publicly funded French-language education in Cape Breton
The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal overturned two 1988 decisions by the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, finding instead that the appellants have the right to have their children receive publicly funded primary and secondary education in the language of the minority.
1989
The Language Institute building is inaugurated at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan
Today, the building houses the University of Regina’s La Cité universitaire francophone and BAC (Bachelor of Education) Program offices.
1989
The first Festival du Bois is held in British Columbia
Maillardville will continue to host this annual cultural festival that celebrates the community’s Francophone heritage.