Canada's official languages are part of our national identity. They forge links that unite us within a thriving and dynamic society. To further strengthen these ties, we must provide opportunities to both French- and Englishspeaking Canadians to better understand and appreciate one another, while continuing to promote the development of their unique cultures and communities.

The Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality 2008–2013: Acting for the Future is an unprecedented, government-wide commitment. In planning it, we not only scanned today's social and economic landscape; we also followed the markers laid out by Canadians. This led us to identify five areas where action would make the most difference: the promotion of linguistic duality, youth, services, economic development and governance. The Roadmap proposes new projects and investments that will allow English and French minority-language communities to receive essential services in their own language; and that will encourage dialogue and bring Canadians closer, whatever their official language of choice.