Official Languages Day
On this page
- Official Languages Day
- Mark your calendars, virtual event: "Two Voices in Harmony"
- Defence Team Official Languages Day Contest
- Messages from Defence Team Leadership
- Related links
Official Languages Day
Official Languages Day (#OLDay) is on September 10. This year’s Government of Canada theme, “Two Voices in Harmony”, celebrates the role of music in reflecting Canada’s cultural identity and creating opportunities to share and learn in both languages.
English and French are deeply rooted in Canada’s history and at the heart of our identity. In the federal public service, our two official languages help us better serve Canadians and strengthen collaboration across the Defence team.
Happy Official Languages Day!
Mark your calendars, virtual event: "Two Voices in Harmony"
Join the Government of Canada’s virtual Official Languages Day event, “Two Voices in Harmony,” on September 10, 2026, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. (ET).
This event is an opportunity to celebrate the richness of Canada’s two official languages and reaffirm our commitment to a workplace where both languages are valued and respected.
Register for the Government of Canada Official Languages Day virtual event
Defence Team Official Languages Day Contest
Celebrate Official Languages Day through music!
As part of Official Languages Day on September 10, 2026, and this year's theme, Two Voices in Harmony, Defence Team members are invited to participate in the Defence Team Official Languages Contest from September 4 to 11.
How to participate
Share the name of a Canadian music artist who performs in your second official language and a song by that artist that you think more people should discover.
To enter, complete the contest form and provide:
- the artist's name;
- the title of a song by that artist; and
- an optional explanation, written in your second official language, about why you chose that song.
What happens next?
After the contest closes, a selection of artist and song recommendations will be shared with the Defence Team to help promote official language learning and celebrate the richness of Canada's English- and French-speaking cultures.
Prize draw
All eligible participants will be entered into a random draw for a chance to win an Official Languages Day prize package. The package includes an Official Languages coffee mug, water bottle, mouse pad and pen and an Official Languages Day 2026 commemorative certificate.
Why participate?
- Discover artists in your second official language
- Share music that inspires you
- Explore your second language and different cultural perspectives
- Celebrate Official Languages Day with colleagues across the Defence Team
- Enter for a chance to win a prize
A song can open the door to a language, a culture, and new ideas. We look forward to hearing your recommendations.
Enter the contest (DWAN only)
Messages from Defence Team Leadership
To mark Official Languages Day 2026, Defence Team leaders are sharing messages on the importance of English and French in our workplace and the value of linguistic duality across the Defence Team.
- Minister's Statement on Official Languages Day 2026
- Message from the Defence Team Official Languages Co-Champions