The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages at Collège Nordique

On October 23, Collège Nordique had the pleasure of welcoming the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada, represented by Nathalie Beauregard, Senior Regional Engagement Agent for Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon.

This visit, part of Ms. Beauregard’s tour of the Northwest Territories, aimed to strengthen dialogue between federal institutions and Francophone organizations in the North.

A long-standing partner for Northern Francophonie

The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages plays a key role in the promotion and protection of French and English in Canada. Its mission is to ensure that federal institutions meet their language obligations and support the vitality of minority language communities.

Collège Nordique has long enjoyed a strong relationship with the Office. A letter of support from the Commissioner was instrumental in securing the College’s first transformative funding from Canadian Heritage, marking a crucial milestone in its development.

A first visit to the Northwest Territories

Based in the Western and Northern Region, Nathalie Beauregard was making her first official visit to the Northwest Territories. During her stay in Yellowknife, she met with local Francophone organizations, toured Collège Nordique’s facilities, and spoke with members of the team.

The meeting provided an opportunity to highlight several key initiatives currently underway — from developing programs adapted to Northern realities to strengthening pan-territorial partnerships and advancing efforts that support the vitality of Francophone life in a multicultural and multilingual context.

A meaningful presence amid budgetary challenges

This visit comes at a critical time for French-language postsecondary education in Canada. As several institutions across the country face significant federal budget cuts, the presence of the Commissioner’s Office at the College carries special significance.

Such exchanges help amplify Northern perspectives, while maintaining a constructive dialogue about the role of French in postsecondary education and the long-term sustainability of Francophone institutions.

A dialogue for the future of French-language education

By maintaining a direct connection with on-the-ground stakeholders, the Office contributes to a better understanding of the challenges faced by Northern institutions and to a national reflection on access, quality, and sustainability in French-language education.

Through this dialogue, Collège Nordique reaffirms its commitment to the linguistic, cultural, and educational vitality of the North, in close collaboration with its partners and institutional allies.

Published on October 27th 2025