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