Ombudsman to host international language conference June 26-27

(TORONTO – March 15, 2019) – Join Ombudsman Paul Dubé, as well as ombudsmen, language commissioners and language rights experts from around the world at a conference in June discussing the protection and promotion of linguistic minorities.

Registration is now open for the annual conference of the International Association of Language Commissioners, to be held in downtown Toronto, June 26-27.

The two-day conference will explore the pivotal role of language ombudsmen and commissioners in the protection of minority-language communities and as indispensable tools for societal integration and conflict prevention in multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic societies.

Sessions will also highlight institutions that promote and protect Indigenous languages in light of the UN’s International Year of Indigenous Languages, and focus on the impact of technology on the future of minority language protection worldwide.

Presenters will include Perry Bellegarde, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations; Raymond Théberge, Official Languages Commissioner of Canada ; Dr. Mpho Monareng, Chief Executive Officer of the Pan South African Language Board ; Evelyn Papatsi Kublu-Hill, National Inuit Language Coordinator, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami ; Slaviša Mladenović, Language Commissioner of Kosovo ; and The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada, among others.

Early-bird pricing is available until April 15, and there are a limited number of student registrations available. Register here now: https://eventdex.force.com/BLN_RegistrationDym?id=a190H000006ph2AQAQ

For more information, contact:
Linda Williamson
Director of Communications
lwilliamson@ombudsman.on.ca
416-586-3426