Canadian history · Drawing 35 of 43
Two official languages
1969
In 1969, a law made French and English the two official languages of Canada. In many of its offices, the Government of Canada had to serve people in both languages.
Look together
Which languages do you hear around you?
An idea to try
Learn together how to say hello, please and thank you in French and in English, then in another language spoken in your family or neighbourhood.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
The Official Languages Act came into force on September 7, 1969, following the work of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism. It gave English and French equal status in Parliament and the Government of Canada, required federal institutions to offer their services in both languages where the Act provided for it and created the position of Commissioner of Official Languages. It stated that it did not affect the customary status of other languages. New Brunswick passed its own act the same year. The early years were stormy: many anglophones wrongly believed they would be forced to learn French, and some Québec nationalists distrusted the law.
With your child, notice the languages you hear around you. Explain that the law is about government services: it does not require anyone to change the language spoken at home.
Sources and illustration notes (3)
An imagined 1969 post office; the drawing cannot show which language is spoken and depicts no real office.
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. References identify the institution and the related lesson; some linked pages are in French.
- The Canadian Encyclopedia — Official Languages Act (1969)English and French made the official languages of Canada; federal institutions provide services in either language on request; recommended by the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism; in force on 7 September 1969; Commissioner created; New Brunswick’s own act in 1969; customary status of other languages not affected.
- Canadian Museum of History — The Official Languages Act: A Difficult Birth (1962–1969)Quotation of the Act on equality of status of English and French; in effect from September 7, 1969; access to most government services in the language of one’s choice.
- Canadian Museum of History — The Official Languages Act: The Early Years (1969–1977)Resistance: many anglophones confused the Act with an obligation to learn French; distrust among Québec nationalists; Gens de l’air crisis (1975–1976); Keith Spicer, first Commissioner (1970–1977).
Page prepared on September 26, 2026. Illustrations simplify places and scenes; they are not historical documents.
This drawing is from the book Canada’s Great Moments to Colour
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