Supporting the Vitality
of Canada's Minority
Language Communities.

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The International Observatory on Language Rights

The International Observatory on Language Rights aims, on the one hand, to promote the vitality of minority language communities in Canada by urging these communities to take part in the development of their rights and, on the other hand, to acquaint other countries with the Canadian experience by sharing with them how Canada has dealt with its official languages problems. Conversely, the Observatory hopes to help Canadians gain better insight into the linguistic situation in other countries, thereby providing an opportunity to learn from their experience, and offering different problem-solving avenues.
Michel Doucet

Part of the mission of the Faculty of Law of Université de Moncton has always been to conduct and disseminate research in the field of language law. Given that the Faculty is located in the only officially bilingual province in Canada, this mission is a natural fit.

Canada and New Brunswick both adopted their first Official Languages Act in 1969. In 1982, the language guarantees found in these statutes were constitutionally entrenched in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom. In 1993, New Brunswick gave even further recognition to these rights by officialising, at section 16.1 of the Charter, the equality of status of both official linguistic communities.

Our Events

Each year, the Observatory participates in or organizes numerous conferences. Find out more about these events and what is involved!
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