A modernized Official Languages Act

Since its adoption in 1969, the Official Languages Act (the Act) has helped us accomplish many things. However, the Act was no longer sufficient to ensure respect for the language rights of Canadians.

The passage of Bill C-13 brings the long-awaited modernization of the Act to fruition and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of official languages. The modernized Act, which is now more robust and more responsive to today’s language realities than ever before, will play a major role in this new chapter. 

The Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act will come into force on a date to be set by order in council.

Current Situation

June 20, 2023

 

A bill must go through the legislative process before it becomes law. Once introduced, the bill must go through two readings before being sent to a committee for a clause-by-clause review. The committee then reports the bill, with or without amendments. The bill is then read a third time and sent to the Senate for passage before receiving Royal Assent.

Bill C-13 received Royal Assent.

History of the Official Languages Act

1969 – The Act is passed

In response to a recommendation made by the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism, the Government of Canada passes the Official Languages Act.

More information

 

1988 – Major review of the Act

The Act undergoes a major revision to ensure the full implementation of the language rights guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The scope of the new Act is considerably broader than that of the 1969 Act. First, it updates and specifies the rights of citizens and the obligations of federal institutions with respect to official languages.

Its scope also extends to two new areas: language of work and the equitable participation of English- and French-speaking Canadians within the public service.

One of its new components, Part VII, commits the federal government to assisting in the development of official language minority communities and promoting English and French in Canadian society.

More information

 

2005 – Minor amendments to the Act

Amendments are made to the Act to clarify the scope of Part VII. From this day forward, federal institutions must take positive measures to enhance the vitality of English and French linguistic minority communities in Canada and to foster the full recognition and use of both English and French in Canadian society.

More information

 

2009 – Plateauing of the implementation of the Act

In his 2008-2009 annual report, the Commissioner of Official Languages, Graham Fraser, notes that the implementation of the Act has reached a plateau. He notes the slow progress made over the past several years with regard to institutional bilingualism within the federal administration.

Annual Report 2008–2009 (page 17) archived PDF (5.05 MB)

 

2016 – Recommendation to modernize the Act

In her 2016–2017 annual report, the Interim Commissioner of Official Languages, Ghislaine Saikaley, recommends that the government assess the relevance of updating the Act, with a view to establishing a clear position in 2019, on the 50th anniversary of the Act.

Annual Report 2016–2017

 

2017–2018 – Public consultations on the modernization of the Act

The Office of the Commissioner undertakes a series of informal consultations with leaders of official language minority communities and other key stakeholders to inform them of its approach and to discuss the issues surrounding a possible reform of the Act.

The Office of the Commissioner then publishes an online questionnaire that allows the general public to express their views on several official languages issues.

Formal meetings are held across the country with individuals and groups with specific experience in official languages.

More information

 

2017–2019 – Study on the modernization of the Act

The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages launches a five-part study on modernizing the Act. The Committee hears testimony from young people, official language minority communities, stakeholders who witnessed the evolution of the Act, the justice sector and federal institutions.

More information

 

2018 – Commissioner's vision for modernizing the Act

Commissioner Raymond Théberge releases a document entitled Modernizing the Official Languages Act: Vision of the Commissioner of Official Languages, which he presents to the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages.

Speaking notes

 

2019 – Tabling of the Commissioner's position paper on the modernization of the Act

The Commissioner releases his position paper, which contains 18 recommendations for modernizing the Act.

News release

Speaking points

 

2019 – Symposium on the 50th anniversary of the Act

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Official Languages Act, a historic symposium bringing together nearly 500 stakeholders is held in Ottawa to celebrate the progress made in official languages and to reflect on the future of the Act.

More information

 

2021 – Publication of the reform document entitled English and French: Towards a Substantive Equality of Official Languages in Canada

The federal government publishes a reform document entitled English and French: Towards a Substantive Equality of Official Languages in Canada.

The Commissioner of Official Languages issues two statements on this subject.

Statement – February 19, 2021

Statement – May 10, 2021

 

2021 – Commissioner's appearance before the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages

Tabling of Bill C-32 to achieve substantive equality of English and French and to strengthen the Official Languages Act

The Government of Canada introduces Bill C-32, which aims to modernize the Official Languages Act to adapt it to a changing society. The Bill died on the order paper.

Tabling of Bill C-13: An Act to amend the Official Languages Act, to enact the use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act and to make related amendments to other acts.

On March 1, 2022, the Government of Canada introduced a bill that would modernize the Official Languages Act to reflect a changing society.

Tabling of Bill C-13

 

2022 – Commissioner’s appearance before the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages

Speaking notes

 

2022 – Commissioner’s appearance before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Official Languages

Speaking notes

 

2023 – Commissioner’s appearance before the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages

June 5 – Notes for an appearance before the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages

Speaking notes

 

2023 – Adoption of Bill C-13: An Act to amend the Official Languages Act, to enact the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act and to make related amendments to other Acts

On June 20th, 2023, Bill C-13 received Royal Assent and has come into force.

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