# Language news, Friday, 25 September 2026

Compiled by Richard Brooks's language news desk. Canonical: https://richard-brooks.com/language-news/2026-09-25/

## CLO seeks SCC leave on Acadian Peninsula courthouse closures

Policy. Commissioner Kelly Burke wants to argue substantive equality as the Supreme Court hears whether closing Caraquet and converting Tracadie breached Francophone language rights. A ruling could bind official-language minority communities nationwide.

Source: Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/statement-from-the-commissioner-of-official-languages-of-canada-regarding-her-application-for-leave-to-intervene-before-the-supreme-court-of-canda-in-the-forum-des-maires-de-la-peninsule-acadienne-versus-minister-of-justice-and-public-safet-868319299.html

## NI Sign Language Act comes into force with first Commencement Order

Policy. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons commenced the Sign Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2026 on 23 September. Public bodies begin duties under the Act, and the Department for Communities funds parent sign classes at Jordanstown School.

Source: Department for Communities, https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/news/major-step-forward-deaf-community-northern-ireland-sign-language-act-comes-effect