Official languages commissioner nominee aspires for a ‘truly bilingual public service’

Kelly Burke, the nominee to become the next official languages commissioner, says her goal in that position is ‘substantive equality’ between French and English across Canada.

Official languages commissioner nominee Kelly Burke shared her vision for a bilingual public service before House and Senate committees on Feb. 10.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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BY ELEANOR WAND

February 13, 2026

Incoming official languages commissioner Kelly Burke says she wants to create a "truly bilingual Canada and federal public service" not long after her predecessor raised concerns that ongoing cuts to the federal bureaucracy could worsen language rights in the government.

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