DIALOGUE CANADA
DIALOGUE CANADA
THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES OF CANADA
ENGLISH AND FRENCH: CANADA'S TWO OFFICIAL LANGUAGESThe citizens of this country, speaking English and French and having very diverse ethno cultural roots, form a social fabric that we call Canada. In many respects, linguistic duality is one of the most fundamental values of our country. It is the continuing reflection of our history and the vital witness to our collective identity. It also embodies the sprit of cooperation that characterizes the two official language communities and the possibility open to Canadians, both English-speaking and French-peaking, of living together and joining their efforts to defend common values.
Far from losing its relevance in the era of globalization, our linguistic duality is instead an example of advanced development and openness to the world at a time when linguistic, religious, ethnic and economic tensions continue to threaten the peace and security of nations. Our duality is therefore not an exclusively Canadian value; however, how we live it, respect it and develop it serves as a model for every society and an example of the leadership that Canada is called upon to exercise on the international stage.
In addition to the pride and sense of responsibility that our duality should inspire, it also gives Canada unexpected economic advantages in this age of globalization. Unsettled by this new reality and by the growth of international trade, we are just beginning to realize the extent to which our duality can be a valuable asset to the expansion of our trade and the strengthening of our collective well-being. Our privileged links with two great international language communities, our openness to the diversity of our trading partners, our special know-how and the uniqueness of our commercial products are all advantages resulting from the synergy of our two official languages. In many ways, linguistic duality is increasingly seen as a comparative advantage for Canada in terms of international trade.
The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages plays a unique and indispensable role in protecting and promoting linguistic duality at the federal level. As an agent of change and ombudsman's office, it is our mission to take all actions and measures with a view to ensuring achievement of the three objectives of the Official Languages Act: the equality of English and French in Parliament, the Government of Canada, the federal administration and institutions subject to the Act; the preservation and development of the official language communities in Canada; and the equality of English and French in Canadian society.
Respect for rights, of whatever kind, assumes a knowledge of them. The Commissioner therefore continues to familiarize and educate Canadians with regard to the Official Languages Act and her role in order to encourage the Government of Canada to ensure full respect for and the protection and promotion of linguistic duality.
Dyane Adam
Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada
February 14, 2001
http://www.ocol-col.gc.ca
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE: You are also invited to send your comments to Viateur Bergeron, president of Dialogue Canada at : vberger@uottawa.ca
