The Supreme Court of Canada Rules in favour of the SANB: The appointment of a unilingual english-speaking Lieutenant Governor in New Brunswick is unconstitutional

Petit-Rocher, New Brunswick, Friday, June 12, 2026 — The Société de l'Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick (SANB) welcomes the historic decision rendered today by the Supreme Court of Canada in the case concerning the appointment of a unilingual Lieutenant Governor in New Brunswick.

By a majority of six judges to three, the country's highest court recognizes that the appointment of a Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick who does not possess the ability to understand and communicate in both official languages violates subsection 16(2) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, thereby reaffirming the fully bilingual character of the province and the equality of its two official language communities.

« The SANB will always be there, as a watchdog for the linguistic rights of the Francophone community in New Brunswick before the courts, before governments, and before anyone else. We are proud to have undertaken these proceedings to reaffirm the equality of the linguistic communities. It is not always easy, but we will continue to fight for our rights»  states Nicole Arseneau-Sluyter, President of the SANB.

In its decision, the Court pays particular attention to the unique status of New Brunswick, the only officially bilingual province in Canada. It states that the Charter provisions specifically applicable to the province are the result of intense political advocacy led by the Francophone minority. Linguistic equality therefore takes on a particular significance in the province, and any interpretive analysis must be grounded in that reality. Language rights must never be viewed as exceptional or as a request for accommodation, because they are constitutional rights and they are enforceable.

«This marks the culmination of seven years of struggle. Today, this judgment confirms what we have been defending since 2019: that our language rights are not a matter of convenience, but a right that must be respected»  concludes the President of the SANB.

The SANB wishes to acknowledge the contribution of the Honourable Brenda L. Murphy to the communities of the province, particularly in advancing gender equality, social justice, and the fight against poverty. Our legal challenge concerned a constitutional principle, not her as an individual.

We thank our solicitors Gabriel Poliquin, Érik Labelle Eastaugh, and Charles Daoust, who carried this case forward with determination, perseverance, and rigour.

We also thank the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA), the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada, and the Association des juristes d'expression française du Nouveau-Brunswick (AJEFNB) for their support as interveners.

Finally, we express our sincerest gratitude to the entire Acadian and Francophone community of New Brunswick. Your unwavering support throughout all these years gave us the strength to persevere. This victory belongs to you.

The SANB remains committed to continuing its efforts and dedicated to defending and promoting the rights and interests of the Acadian and Francophone community of New Brunswick.

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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Ulrika Lucia Obama

Communications Director, SANB

communications@sanb.ca

Cell: 506-233-5624