All events for 1960 – 1969
1960
An Acadian is elected Premier of New Brunswick
Louis Robichaud will serve three terms, until 1970.
September 10, 1960
The Rassemblement pour l’indépendance nationale is founded in Quebec
It begins as a gathering of about 30 people involved in defending Quebec’s rights; a few weeks later, the Rassemblement pour l’indépendance nationale publishes its manifesto.
1962
Caraquet holds its first Festival acadien
This annual festival is held on the Acadian Peninsula.
1962
The Royal Commission on Government Organization files its report
The 1960–1962 Royal Commission, also known as the Glassco Commission raises the issue of bilingualism in the public service.
1963
Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson establishes the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism
The mandate of the Royal Commission is to inquire into and report on the existing state of bilingualism and biculturalism in Canada.
In a way, this is the start of the bilingualism adventure.
1963
The French-language Université de Moncton is founded
The Université de Moncton has campuses located in the three main French-speaking regions of the province: the northwest, northeast and southeast of New Brunswick.
1964
The Alberta School Act is amended
The amendment permits at least one hour of French instruction a day.
1965
Villa Youville, a French-language seniors’ lodging and care home, opens
Villa Youville is a not-for-profit community corporation.
1966
A French Canadian becomes the highest ranking officer in the Canadian military
General Jean Victor Allard rises to the rank of Chief of Defence Staff and helps to usher in a series of changes to make the Canadian Armed Forces more functionally bilingual.
1967
Canada hosts the Pan American Games for the first time
From July 23 to August 6, Winnipeg, Manitoba, hosts the 5th Pan American Games.
1967
Bill 59 regarding French-language instruction in Manitoba is passed
This bill allows French-language instruction for up to one half of the school day.
1967
The Estates General of French Canada are held
The Estates General take place in Montréal, Quebec, from November 23 to 27, 1967.
1968
A French section is created within a public school in Coquitlam, British Columbia
In response to numerous demands from the public, the Ministry of Education authorizes the experiment.
1968
Saskatchewan amends its Education Act
The Education Act is amended to allow French language education, which had been banned in 1892.
1968
The Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse is founded
The Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the growth and global development of Nova Scotia’s Acadian and French-speaking community.
1969
New Brunswick marks a pivotal moment in the recognition of language rights
Under the leadership of Premier Louis Robichaud, the provincial government passes the Official Languages Act, making New Brunswick Canada’s first and only officially bilingual province.
1969
Quebec passes its first piece of legislation to promote the French language in the province
The Quebec government passes the Act to promote the French Language in Québec.
1969
The Official Languages Act is passed, and the position of Commissioner of Official Languages is created
In response to a recommendation made by the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism, Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s government passes the Official Languages Act.