For the general public, access to education in one of the two official languages was promoted through various programs in cooperation with the provinces. Today, we see the multinational firms taking an interest in language training for economic reasons. Because of the extraordinary movement of goods and services between countries, the new Europe relies increasingly on the teaching of languages. In this regard, Canada will have a twofold advantage. Since our country is a member of both La Francophonie and the Commonwealth, its bilingualism is a vital tool for commercial development.
Linguistic duality has a direct impact on the economy.
It is a question of entering a new phase, for, over the years, Canada has acquired considerable and outstanding expertise in the teaching of languages which can be marketed on the international level. Much water has flowed under the bridge since the Official Languages Act was enacted in 1969. The shape of the world has changed in ways as unexpected as they have been rapid. French and English are among these languages. It is up to Canada to take advantage of this privileged position.