OTTAWA, December 16, 2004 -- The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Irwin Cotler, today announced that Bill S-10, which continues the harmonization of federal legislation with civil law of the province of Quebec, has received Royal Assent. Canada not only has the advantage of two official languages, but also benefits from two legal systems: civil law in the province of Quebec, and common law in the other provinces and territories. This harmonization legislation will ensure that, whether in English or in French, federal law will take into account both common law and civil law. "By clarifying the law in both languages and under both the civil and common law traditions, this bill will ensure improved access to justice for all Canadians," said Minister Cotler. "Harmonizing the legislation also will help to position Canada as a world leader as 75 percent of countries have legal traditions derived from one of these two traditions. " Harmonization involves reviewing all federal legislation that deals with provincial private law to ensure that it integrates the terminology, concepts and institutions of Quebec civil law. Also, in amending certain Acts in order to ensure that each language version takes into account the common law and the civil law, particular care has been taken to respect terminology which is specific to the common law in French. Harmonizing federal legislation with civil law will ensure better access to justice by making the application of federal legislation more efficient, as well as reducing the number of lawsuits and the costs associated with the administration of justice. Bill S-10, which continues or completes the harmonization of 26 federal statutes, was passed by the Senate and the House of Commons. Its provisions came into force on Royal Assent. An online version of Bill S-10 is available at www.parl.gc.ca. - 30 - Ref.: Mylène Dupéré Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Justice (613) 992-4621 Media Relations Office Department of Justice Canada (613) 957-4207
