Fonds 363 - Languages Commissioner of the Northwest Territories fonds

The NWT Official Languages Act created the position of Language Commissioner and in December 1991, the Legislative Assembly appointed the first NWT Languages Commissioner, Betty Harnum. The Languages Commissioner is appointed for a four-year term and he/she is responsible for the following: promotion of the eight official languages in the NWT, ensure the recognition of the status, rights and privileges of Official Languages speakers and the spirit and intent of the Official Language Act, and encourage the advancement of activities in aboriginal languages. In addition, the Language Commissioner acts as an impartial mediator to resolve complaints about Official Languages and the Act, and conducts investigation ensuring that the rights, status and privileges of each of the eight official languages in the Northwest Territories are protected within government institutions. The Language Commissioner also monitors quality of services in the eight official languages provided to the GNWT and the Legislative Assembly and is responsible for making recommendations to the government or the Legislative Assembly to improve or change services or programs. An annual report from this office is submitted to the Legislative Assembly in order to report on activities and make suggested changes to legislation.