Linguistic Duality Day is changing its name to Official Languages Day – here’s how to celebrate

August 15, 2022 - Defence Stories

Formerly known as Linguistic Duality Day (LDD), Official Languages Day (#OLDay) will be celebrated this year on September 8. As in previous years, many virtual activities are planned so as to reach as many Canadians as possible -- here’s how you can participate.

The Canada School of Public Service, in collaboration with the Council of the Network of Official Languages Champions, Canadian Heritage, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and the Translation Bureau, is organizing a webcast event on the theme ‘Official Languages Day: Official Languages and Linguistic Dynamics in the Spotlight’ The event, which will bring together Public Service employees, community stakeholders, youth, artists, and many others, will take place on September 8 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern). It will focus on the modernization of the Official Languages Act and the linguistic dynamics of Canada. Registration for this event is already underway on the Canada School of Public Service website (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website).

The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages is once again presenting the Commissioner's Dictation (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website). It will be held partly in English and partly in French, and will be read by Commissioner Raymond Théberge. The video and the answers to the dictation will be available in early September.

Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Translation Bureau is hosting other activities, such as fun quizzes and inspiring blog posts (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website), through the Language Portal of Canada.

The Linguistic Duality Network, made up of Parents for French, French for the Future, and the Canadian Foundation for Cross-Cultural Dialogue, is also actively involved in OLDay as a way to extend the celebration outside of the Public Service to all Canadians. 

So mark your calendars to celebrate Canada's rich linguistic heritage!