February 27, 2026 • Canada
CANADA GOV: Kelly A. Burke Appointed as Canada's New Commissioner of Official Languages - Full Infograph Inside
Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomes the appointment of Kelly A. Burke as Canada's new Commissioner of Official Languages following approval by the House of Commons and the Senate. The appointment is effective March 30, 2026.
📝 SMikhail
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Official Languages
The Commissioner is responsible for promoting the equality of English and French in Canadian society and within federal institutions.
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7
Year Term
The Commissioner of Official Languages is appointed under the Official Languages Act for a term of seven years.
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1970
Office Established
The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages was created in 1970 under the Official Languages Act.
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20+
Years Experience
Ms. Burke brings more than two decades of experience across public service, governance, and higher education.
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Previous Roles
Former Deputy Ombudsman and Commissioner of French Language Services in the Ontario Public Service.
- Kelly A. Burke appointed as Canada's new Commissioner of Official Languages.
- Appointment approved by the House of Commons and the Senate.
- Effective date: March 30, 2026.
- Brings more than two decades of experience across public service, governance, and higher education.
- Former Deputy Ombudsman and Commissioner of French Language Services in the Ontario Public Service.
- Former Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Administrative Officer in the Ministry of Francophone Affairs.
- Promoting the equality of the English and French languages in Canadian society.
- Supporting the preservation and development of official language minority communities.
- Ensuring the equality of English and French within federal institutions and other organisations subject to the Official Languages Act.
- The Commissioner of Official Languages is an Agent of Parliament appointed under the Official Languages Act.
- Appointment is made by the Governor in Council after consultation with the leader of each recognised party in the Senate and House of Commons.
- Requires approval by resolution of both Houses of Parliament.
- Term of appointment is seven years.
- Raymond Théberge served as Commissioner of Official Languages from 2018 to 2026.
- Prime Minister thanked Théberge for his leadership and contributions to advancing linguistic duality and protecting language rights in Canada.
KEY QUOTES
"Bilingualism is at the heart of the Canadian identity – we are a country that respects and celebrates its official languages. With Kelly Burke’s experience and expertise, she is uniquely qualified to protect this identity and build a stronger, more inclusive Canada." - The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
Mark Carney
Kelly A. Burke
Commissioner of Official Languages
Official Languages Act
bilingualism
English and French
Raymond Théberge
Governor in Council
House of Commons
Senate
Agent of Parliament
language rights
official language minority communities
linguistic duality
federal institutions
Ontario Public Service
francophone affairs
appointment
Ottawa