Ottawa – Members of the Senate Committee on Official Languages celebrated the accomplishments of Commissioner of Official Languages Graham Fraser as he prepares to step down after 10 years on the job.  

Committee Chair Senator Claudette Tardif expressed the committee’s gratitude for the “remarkable work that you have done in the last 10 years.”

"I can’t say more except to say a big thank you for the work that you have done — for the loyal and diligent service you have given this country. On behalf of all Canadians, we most sincerely thank you,” Senator Tardif said.

Committee Deputy Chair Rose-May Poirier added her thanks, as did the other members of the committee.

“I can guarantee that the person who replaces you will have big shoes to fill,” Senator Poirier said. “Thank you for everything you have done.”

In what may have been Fraser’s final appearance before the committee — he retires in October — Fraser spoke about the need to improve access to justice in both official languages.

He also spoke highly of Bill S-209. Introduced in the Senate by the recently-retired Senator Maria Chaput, the bill would update Part IV of the Official Languages Act, which governs the provision of services in both official languages by federal institutions.

Committee members and Fraser have enjoyed a warm working relationship through their shared goal of promoting and protecting Canada’s official languages.

Associated Links

• Click to watch Graham Fraser’s final appearance before the Senate Committee on Official Languages.
• Twitter: @SenateCA – follow the committee using the hashtag #OLLO

For more information, please contact:

Marcy Galipeau
Committees Liaison Officer (Communications)
Senate of Canada
613-944-4082
marcy.galipeau@sen.parl.gc.ca