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Canadians are being invited to have their say on the future of Canada’s official languages as the federal government launches the 2026 Cross-Canada Official Languages Consultations.
The consultations officially began on June 22, 2026, and will continue until November. The process is intended to gather perspectives from Canadians, official language minority communities, advocacy organizations, provincial and territorial representatives, federal institutions and organizations, and other stakeholders across the country.
The consultations will help inform the development of a new federal strategy on official languages. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister responsible for Official Languages, has been tasked with developing the strategy, which will identify the federal government’s key priorities for official languages in the years ahead.
According to the Government of Canada, the new strategy will focus on moving toward substantive equality between Canada’s official languages while supporting the vitality of official language minority communities and promoting both English and French.
The government has also identified the protection of French across the country, including in Quebec, as an important part of its official languages work. The consultations will also examine how official languages can continue to contribute to Canada’s identity and support efforts both nationally and internationally.
“The government wishes to renew its action in official languages in order to reflect and highlight the strengths of our communities’ rich diversity and the exceptional contribution of our official languages to the identity and future of our country,” the government said.
Canadians Can Participate Online
The online questionnaire is open to all Canadians and will remain available until November 2026.
Canadians can also submit a brief, document or email sharing their perspectives on official languages to the consultation team.
The government is encouraging Canadians to participate and help shape the priorities that will guide Canada’s next official languages strategy.
Consultations Taking Place Across Canada
In-person sessions for community partners and stakeholders will be held across all provinces and territories as part of a cross-Canada tour. Locations and dates will be announced as they become available.
Thematic, sectoral and virtual sessions will also be held for community partners and stakeholders through November. Information about upcoming themes and dates will be posted as details are confirmed.
Formal consultations with provincial and territorial governments are planned between June and September 2026. Dialogue sessions and bilateral meetings will also take place with organizations including the Ministers’ Council on the Canadian Francophonie, the Intergovernmental Network on the Canadian Francophonie and the Council of Ministers of Education.
The 2026 Cross-Canada Official Languages Consultations provide Canadians with an opportunity to contribute to the discussion about the future of English and French in Canada and the role official languages will play in the country’s future.
The Government of Canada says the consultation process will help ensure the next official languages strategy reflects the diversity, strengths and contributions of communities across the country.
To watch the Video — Launch of the 2026 Cross-Canada Official Languages Consultations, visit the following link www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/corporate/public-consultations/official-languages-consultations-2026/video.html.
(Source: Government of Canada)
