- What are my language rights in Nunavut?
You have the right to communicate and receive services in:
- Inuktut (Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun)
- English
- French
These rights apply to the Government of Nunavut, the Legislative Assembly, the courts, municipalities, and, in some cases, private businesses and federal institutions.
- What can I do if my language rights are not respected?
You can file a complaint with the Office of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut.
The Commissioner acts as an independent ombudsman, investigating and making recommendations to ensure compliance with Nunavut’s language laws.
- How do I file a complaint?
You can:
- Fill out the online form on our website
- Send it by email, mail, or fax
- Call us toll-free at 1 (867) 975-5080
If you don’t receive confirmation within five business days, please call us.
- What happens after I file a complaint?
We will:
- Confirm receipt
- Check if it falls under the Official Languages Act (OLA) or the Inuktut Protection Act (IPA)
- Investigate if needed and talk to those involved
- Make recommendations to fix the issue
- Keep you informed at each step
- Is my complaint confidential?
Yes. All complaints are handled in a confidential and fair manner. Your name will not be shared without your permission.
- What values guide this work?
The Languages Commissioner follows Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles, such as:
- Respect (Inuuqatigiitsiarniq) – Treating people fairly and kindly
- Inclusiveness (Tunnganarniq) – Being open and welcoming
- Service (Pijitsirniq) – Helping the community
- Consensus (Aajiiqatigiinniq) – Making decisions together
