In the Commissioners’ Own Words
Since 1970, commissioners of official languages have been key witnesses of the evolution of official languages in Canadian society. In the following video excerpts, they tell us about their respective mandates and share their thoughts on their vision.
- Keith Spicer, Commissioner from 1970 to 1977
- Maxwell Yalden, Commissioner from 1977 to 1984
- D’Iberville Fortier, Commissioner from 1984 to 1991
- Victor Goldbloom, Commissioner from 1991 to 1999
- Dyane Adam, Commissioner from 1999 to 2006
- Graham Fraser, Commissioner since 2006
* Please note: Each video excerpt is presented in the language in which that portion of the interview was conducted.
Keith Spicer, Commissioner from 1970 to 1977
| “[The Office of the Commissioner] seeks [...] to consider justice in State bilingualism simply as an ideal of human dignity and as one of the much-needed long-term bridges to understanding among Canadians.” |
Mr. Spicer recalls the prevailing climate in Canadian society when he assumed his functions and duties, as well as the messages he wanted to convey.
The first commissioner discusses the objectives that guided him during his mandate, his strategy for meeting them and his passion for his work as Commissioner.
In this excerpt, Mr. Spicer tells an anecdote that illustrates his unique way of approaching his role as Commissioner.
Maxwell Yalden, Commissioner from 1977 to 1984
| “The enshrinement of language rights in a made-in-Canada Constitution was a very substantial landmark in that process. [...] But there it unquestionably is: a set of constitutional guarantees which effectively says that English and French are our two official languages.” |
Maxwell Yalden assumed his functions and duties in a heated socio-political climate. During this period of constitutional turmoil, Mr. Yalden stressed that language guarantees require greater tolerance from Canadians than they had shown in the past.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The former commissioner underscores the importance of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms for education in the language of the minority.
Mr. Yalden recalls the “Gens de l’Air” dispute, a language crisis regarding the use of French in air traffic communications.
Mr. Yalden discusses the progress made in language rights.
Maxwell Yalden describes the opening of regional offices for the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages.
D’Iberville Fortier, Commissioner from 1984 to 1991
| “The tide of history is often composed of progress, misunderstanding, reversals and ups and downs. The same holds true for the quiet revolution of official languages in Canada.” |
D’Iberville Fortier took office at a time when it was understood that the official languages policy could not simply be concerned with the language most commonly used and the language of service. It had to guarantee full and complete recognition of both minority communities. It was in this spirit that he would guide the revision of the Act, which in 1988 recognized the right of linguistic minorities to vitality and development.
Commissioner Yalden recalls the mandate of the late D’Iberville Fortier, the commissioner who succeeded him.
La nomination d'un francophone
Mr. Yalden remembers the appointment of D’Iberville Fortier.
Victor Goldbloom, Commissioner from 1991 to 1999
| “We cannot preserve the unity of Canada if we set aside the historic premise that we have two official languages.” |
During his mandate, Victor Goldbloom devoted all his energy to creating a climate conducive to dialogue between official language communities. He aimed to convince the Canadian population that language policy can help curtail tensions rather than aggravate them. At the same time, he was interested in the range of factors necessary in order for communities to thrive.
Mr. Goldbloom discusses the elements that are crucial to the vitality of official language communities, especially school management.
The former commissioner explains the nature of our language regime.
The former commissioner provides an overview of official language communities at the time of his mandate.
In this excerpt, Victor Goldbloom discusses the progress achieved in the areas of school management and health, and he talks about the danger of assimilation.
Dyane Adam, Commissioner from 1999 to 2006
| “Since 1970, Canadians have witnessed a clear progression in nearly all aspects of their daily lives when it comes to official languages. This progression is the result of the efforts of different levels of government, the increasing openness of the population, an interest in learning the other official language and the mobilization of official language minority communities.” |
From the outset, Dr. Adam saw her role as that of an agent of change. She showed commitment and determination in protecting and promoting English and French across Canada. Concerned about ensuring that her actions led to concrete and lasting results, Dr. Adam denounced the indifference of federal institutions towards official languages.
Dr. Adam discusses the challenges she had to meet and the achievements during her mandate.
Le gouvernement passe ŕ l'action
The former commissioner outlines the circumstances surrounding the adoption of the Action Plan for Official Languages.
Dr. Adam describes her desire to see the issue of official languages become a matter of concern in all spheres of Canadian society.
Graham Fraser, Commissioner from 2006 to present
| “[…] I want English and French to be fully appreciated, not as foreign languages, but as Canadian languages: central elements of Canadian identity that are critical to the national discourse.” |
From the outset, Commissioner Fraser outlined his vision of linguistic duality, which he places at the very core of Canadian identity. This duality is increasingly important as cultural diversity increases: learning a second language and openness in this regard enable people to better accept other cultures.
Commissioner Fraser compares the current situation to the one that prevailed 40 years ago, and discusses the progress that has been made.
Mr. Fraser tells us how impressed he was by the vitality of official language communities upon taking office.
Graham Fraser outlines the progress made over the past 40 years and looks to the future of official languages in the country.
This excerpt shows Commissioner Fraser outlining the link between cultural diversity and linguistic duality.