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40^th Anniversary of the Official Languages Act

Forty years ago, on the heels of recommendations issued by the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism, the Official Languages Act was passed. On July 9, 1969, it received the royal sanction; and on September 7 of that same year, it went into effect. The Act was subsequently amended in 1988 and in 2005.

This year, we have the honour and pleasure of celebrating the 40th anniversary of this Act through a series of activities underscoring this special event.

To fulfil obligations and commitments under the Official Languages Act, the Government of Canada created the Official Languages Program. The government’s commitment to promote linguistic duality to support and nurture the development of minority communities is outlined in the Roadmap for Canada’s Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future, a horizontal initiative that encompasses over 30 activities and programs implemented by 14 federal departments and agencies.

News Releases

Minister Moore Releases the Horizontal Results-Based Management and Accountability Framework for the Roadmap

Government of Canada Supports Arts and Culture in Minority Official-Language Communities

Minister Moore Announces that University of Ottawa Will Administer New Language Rights Support Program

Government of Canada Celebrates 40 Years of the Official Languages Act

Government of Canada Participates in the Annual General Meeting of the Fédération des Communautés Francophones et Acadienne du Canada

Speeches

The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages on the occasion of the celebration of the 40^th anniversary of the Official Languages Act and an announcement regarding the Language Rights Support Program

Statements

Statement by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the 40^th Anniversary of the Coming into Force of the Official Languages Act

Statement by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the Occasion of the 40^th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Official Languages Act

Photos

40 Years of Official Languages in Canada: Our History and the Path Ahead" Symposium: Minister Moore announces that the University of Ottawa Will Administer the New Language Rights Support Program.