Debating Language Rights at the Local Level: The Case of Bilingual Signage in New Brunswick

The paper presents a series of debates related to the implementation of local bylaws aiming at regulating the language of signs in the province of New-Brunswick. These debates serve to highlight the reluctance of some cities to legislate on language rights, even when they have a French or bilingual status. More specifically, Dieppe adopted a policy requiring the use of both French and English, but not allowing signs in French only, even though with a predominantly francophone population, the City had declared itself officially French in 2000. The City of Moncton chose not to adopt a bylaw regulating the language of signage, distancing itself from the City’s own statement on official bilingualism. These debates show how both supporters and opponents argued their position by appealing to the provincial legal framework, to local characteristics and to their demographics. It provides an interesting lens for understanding the politics of local language regimes.