On May 15, 2023, the House of Commons passed Bill C-13, An
Act for the Substantive Equality of Canada's Official
Languages, which amends various federal laws, including the
Official Languages Act, and creates new rights for
French-speaking communities across the country. This important
legislation modernizes the Official Languages Act, which
last underwent major reform more than 30 years ago, and introduces
the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses
Act.
During the last election campaign, all parties represented in
the House of Commons pledged to modernize the Official
Languages Act, but dissent within the government cast doubt on
the outcome of the vote. Against all odds, Bill C-13 passed with a
near-majority (300 votes in favour, 1 vote against). Strong
pressure, including from the Quebec government, pushed the Senate
to adopt the Bill before the parliamentary session adjourned. Bill
C-13 was thus adopted by the Senate without amendment on June
