In historic move, Ontario will allow Indigenous languages to be spoken in legislature

A change to the rules that govern lawmakers in Ontario means MPPs will be able to speak Indigenous languages without asking permission for the first time in provincial history.

When he rises inside Ontario’s legislature at the end of May, with his mother watching on, Sol Mamakwa will be able to pose a question to the government in his first language.

A recent change to the rules that govern members at Queen’s Park means anyone who wants to intervene, speak or ask questions in an Indigenous language will be able to do so without asking permission for the first time in the province’s history.

“When I bring my mom here, I wanted it to be in my language,” Mamakwa told Global News, explaining that she doesn’t speak English.

A permanent change to the rules of debate means members will not be limited to only English or French at Queen’s Park. “Indigenous languages spoken in Canada” can now also be used going forward.

Mamakwa represents the riding of Kiiwetinoong in northern Ontario, an area with a large Indigenous population. He grew up speaking Ojibwe and said the language makes him feel comfortable.

“It’s amazing because when I am here, I am unable to speak my language,” he said. “It’s like I’m far away from home…. I’ll be less far away from home speaking my language.”

The change to the standing orders came because of Mamakwa’s mom’s visit, he explained. The NDP MPP said he began a conversation with Progressive Conservative house leader Paul Calandra that led the government to rewrite the rules.

“We’ve broken down all the administrative barriers to make it much easier for him,” Greg Rickford, the minister of Indigenous affairs, told Global News.