Under section 19(2), in New Brunswick courts, which language usage is allowed?

• A. Either English or French may be used by any person in, or in any pleading in or process issuing from, any court of New Brunswick.
• B. Only English may be used.
• C. Only French may be used.
• D. Language use must be in bilingual format.

Answer: (A)

In New Brunswick courts, the language used by any person in court, or in any pleading or process issued from a court, may be either English or French. This reflects section 19(2) of the Canadian Charter, which guarantees access to justice in either official language in NB. The key idea is that individuals can choose the language they prefer for proceedings, and the court must accommodate that choice. New Brunswick’s bilingual status supports equal access in both languages, covering oral proceedings and written documents alike. The other options would unnecessarily restrict language use or impose a bilingual format, which this provision does not require.