OTTAWA, September 7, 2009 - Today, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the coming into force of the Official Languages Act. This Act established the equality of status of French and English within the federal administration, which would be called upon from that point forward to better serve Canadians in the official language of their choice.
This anniversary gives us an opportunity to take stock of the progress we have made and the action being taken to ensure respect for, and the vitality of, our country's two official languages. Our Government recognizes the ground we have gained and is proud to continue with this work. Our commitment to promoting Canada's official languages and the development of official-language minority communities is clear. The Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future confirms this. Through our investment of $1.1 billion over five years, we are helping these communities continue to enrich the economic, cultural, and social life of Canada.
On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I would like to thank all those who continue to promote and support our country's two official languages. They are an invaluable source of economic, social, and cultural benefits for all Canadians, a cornerstone of our national identity and something in which we can take pride on the international stage.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
