Launch of the Commissioner’s study on second-language learning opportunities in Canada’s universities

October 29, 2009 - Today, the Commissioner Graham Fraser released his report entitled Two Languages, a World of Opportunities: Second-Language Learning in Canada’s Universities, which presents findings and results from a major study on second-language learning in Canada’s universities.  In addition, the Office of the Commissioner has developed an interactive map that includes information for students seeking second-language learning opportunities in Canadian universities.  The Commissioner’s interest in this issue stems from the fact that globalization and the knowledge economy are now placing a premium on new qualifications, including language skills and openness to other cultures. Second-official-language learning is also essential to Canadian identity and citizenship, and for fostering better understanding among Canadians. Furthermore, in the context of public service renewal, the Government of Canada needs access to a larger pool of bilingual candidates. The objective of the study was to expand on the research on opportunities that currently exist for students to develop their second-official-language skills while pursuing higher education and preparing for their working career. Related objectives were identifying challenges and barriers, potential models and approaches, and ideas on how to improve second-language learning opportunities at the university level. The Commissioner makes a number of recommendations—to institutions, governments and others—to improve second-language learning opportunities in Canada’s universities.

Links: report, backgrounder with recommendations, and interactive map

Recognizing Achievement and Enhancing Visibility' (RAEV) project

With funding from the Canadian Heritage's new Cultural Development Fund, ELAN launches the RAEV project to celebrate the achievements and enhance the visibility of English-speaking creators from all disciplines and all regions of Quebec. The RAEV project will allow friends and fans to share achievements. One hundred artists will be profiled in print, and the Top 30 will also be profiled with video clips. The profiles will be distributed throughout the media and on the Internet.

Nomination forms can be downloaded here.

Language Rights 2007-2009

The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages has released the latest version of Language Rights, covering important decisions on this language rights for 2007-09. http://www.ocol-clo.gc.ca/html/langlaws_droitsling_e.php

''40 Years of Official Languages in Canada: Our History and the Path Ahead''

On September 9 and 10, 2009, a symposium entitled "40 Years of Official Languages in Canada: Our History and the Path Ahead" was held in Ottawa.
To review conferences, simply click here.

The Commissioner of Official Languages launches its 2008-2009 Annual Report

Montreal, May 26, 2009 - The Commissioner of Official Languages launched today its 2008-2009 Annual Report. To read it, click here. 

New report on English-speaking arrivals to Quebec City region

The Voice of English-speaking Quebec (VEQ) has released a report on a survey it carried out of new English-speaking arrivals to the Quebec City region. Among other findings, it indicates that the new arrivals are likely to be young, educated Canadians eager to learn French.  The report, with statistics and recommendations, is available on VEQ's website at http://www.veq.ca . Information: information@veq.ca or (418) 683-2366.

Conference Papers presented at the Fourth Annual Symposium on Official Language minorities now available!

Papers presented at recent ACS conference on the history of the Official Languages Act are now available on the Association for Canadian Studies website.

Click here to read them. 
 
 

Statistics Canada Portrait of Official-language Communities in Canada

"For each province and territory, for census divisions and their constituent municipalities, for census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations, using 2006 Census data, users can draw a profile of the official-language communities, by gender and age based on selected demographic, cultural, education, labour force and income characteristics." Both Quebec's English-speaking community and Francophone communities outside Quebec are covered. Cost (dvd-rom): $65. For information, click here.