OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ACT (OLA)
The Official Languages Act of Nunavut recognizes three official languages: Inuktut (Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun), English, and French.
It guarantees Nunavummiut the right to communicate with and receive services from the Government of Nunavut, the Legislative Assembly, the courts, and municipalities in the official language of their choice.
It requires public institutions to offer their services in these languages actively.
It also establishes the role of the Office of the Languages Commissioner as the watchdog and advocate for these rights.
View the official consolidated version of the Official Languages Act:
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ACT, Official Consolidation of | Legislation
INUKTUT PROTECTION ACT (IPA)
The Inuktut Protection Act (IPA) aims to protect, promote and develop Inuktut as a living language in all areas of public life, including work, education and public services across Nunavut.
Under section 3 of the IPA, organizations — including public bodies, municipalities, private sector organizations and federal institutions operating in Nunavut — must ensure that Inuktut is available in:
- public signage (including emergency and exit signs)
- posters and commercial advertising
- reception, customer and client services
- essential and particular services such as health, housing, food, water, fuel, telecommunications and hospitality
- notices, warnings, instructions, bills, invoices and other prescribed communications
The IPA also mandates the Office of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut (OLCN) to oversee compliance, advise organizations, monitor service delivery and intervene when obligations are not met.
View the official consolidated version of the Inuit Language Protection Act:
INUIT LANGUAGE PROTECTION ACT, Official Consolidation of | Legislation