Official Languages Day is an opportunity to celebrate English and French, the two languages that unite communities across the country.

GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 10, 2026 /CNW/ -- On this Official Languages Day, we celebrate English and French—two languages that are at the heart of our Canadian identity.

At a time when the world is undergoing profound changes, it is our responsibility to protect and strengthen our two official languages in order to build a strong and resilient Canada.

Our two languages are much more than just a means of communication. They allow us to express ourselves and connect with one another. They tell our story and embody our values. They reflect our openness and diversity. They give Canada a unique competitive advantage in the global economy, and they allow us to pass on our cultural heritage to future generations.

This year's theme for Official Languages Day is "Two Voices in Harmony." Just like in a song, each of our two official languages has its own history, character and rhythm. Together, they create a harmony that allows us to build bridges between communities across the country—a harmony that enables Canadians to forge connections, collaborate and make their mark around the world.

For more than half a century, Canada has been strengthening its commitment to official languages—from the adoption of the Official Languages Act in 1969 to its modernization in 2023, including the implementation of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration, backed by a historic investment of $4.1 billion.

We are committed to continuing to protect and promote our official languages and to support the vitality of official language minority communities across the country. As we develop the next Action Plan for Official Languages, I invite all Canadians to share their views on official languages as part of our consultations, which will continue until November 2026. One way to do this is by completing the online questionnaire.

On this September 10, let's celebrate the languages that unite us and make our country strong. Today and tomorrow, we will always defend our culture, our languages, and the ability of Canadians to tell their own stories in their own language.

Happy Official Languages Day!

SOURCE Canadian Heritage