The Celtic Languages are at a crossroads in Canada

Statements by Jason Kenney, the Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, have created a political storm which in turn has provoked a rebuke from the Nova Scotia Assembly.  Several days ago Jason Kenney dismissed what he claimed were "heritage" languages like Scottish and in particular the public funding of these tongues, advocating instead an emphasis on the learning and adoption of English and French. As reported in Canada's The Chronicle Herald: "Nova Scotia in particular now has the Oifis Iomairtean na Gàidhlig (Office of Gaelic Affairs) and the increasingly important Colaisde na Gàidhlig or Gaelic College at Baile Anna (St. Anne's), which links to Scotland’s Sabhal Mòr Ostaig". In what must be regarded as a direct rebuke to Kenney, the following Motion was carried unanimously in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, which is the oldest Assembly in Canada dating from 1758: 

Whereas the Gaelic language and culture contribute $32 million each year to the Nova Scotia economy;  and Whereas the decline of the Gaelic language came as a result of policies of previous government agencies;  and, Whereas there is priceless value in maintaining a founding language of our country, spoken by our Father of Confederation and Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald, and former Nova Scotia Premier Angus L. MacDonald; Therefore be it resolved that the federal government recognize the value Gaelic and other ethnic  languages bring to Canada and her people. Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.

Relevant links

Article from Canada's The Chronicle Herald on funding for Gaelic languages