QCGN Analysis – English and French: Towards the substantive equality of official languages in Canada
On Friday, February 19, 2021, the Government of Canada released its policy paper on reforming the
federal approach to Canada’s Official Languages. The government’s guiding paper builds on six themes:
1. The recognition of linguistic dynamics in the provinces and territories and existing rights
regarding Indigenous languages;
2. The willingness to provide opportunities for learning both official languages;
3. Support for the institutions of official language minority communities;
4. The protection and promotion of French throughout Canada, including in Quebec;
5. The Government of Canada as an example through strengthening of the compliance of federal
institutions; and,
6. An Act for the Canada of today and tomorrow: Mandatory review of the OLA and its
implementation.
