Keeping Bilingualism Alive: A Conversation with the Official Languages Commissioner

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Originally published in TEACH Magazine, 50th Anniversary of the Official Languages Act Special Issue, 2019

By Meagan Gillmore

When educators show students the importance of both English and French, they’re exposing them to principles that are foundational to Canadian society, says Raymond Théberge, the current Commissioner of Official Languages.

“Learning or teaching a second language is providing another window on the world,” he says. “Teaching a second language, or French as a first language for that matter, is supporting this fundamental value of Canadian society. Canada is two large communities in one. When you provide second language education, you provide a bridge between both communities.”

Connecting these two distinct parts of the country isn’t always easy, however. As the Commissioner of Official Languages, Théberge is responsible for ensuring equality of English and French in the government of Canada, Parliament, federal institutions and institutions subject to the Official Languages Act; supporting the preservation and development of official language minority communities across the country; and promoting the equality of English and French in Canadian society.

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Meagan Gillmore is a freelance writer in Toronto, ON.

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Meagan Gillmore
Meagan Gillmore
Meagan Gillmore is a freelance writer in Toronto, ON.

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