Timeline

Jacques Cartier
Canada as a modern nation developed as a result of the exploration of two European colonial powers, France and England. The French explorer Jacques Cartier gave the name "Canada," likely deriving from the Huron-Iroquois word "kanata" (village), to the St. Lawrence Valley
Credits: BAnQ Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie - Cartes postales http://collections.banq.qc.ca/ark:/52327/2120

New France
During the period of colonization, France and England were often at war. These conflicts eventually led to the British conquest of the Canadian territory of New France in 1759.
Credits : Hervey Smyth, 1797. Source: Bibliothèque du Ministère de la défense nationale (Canada)

French Canadians
Over time, French Canadians, who had initially been the majority, became a minority.
Credits : W. Walton.
Source : Musée McCord

Francophones' victory
Francophones, however, fought to preserve their language and culture, and measures were gradually put in place to give more presence and voice to French Canadians.
Credits : Charles Huot.
Source : Musée des beaux-arts du Canada

Canada's capital
Queen Victoria chose the then small town of Ottawa as Canada's capital because of its central location between French-speaking Quebec and English-speaking Ontario.
Source et Credits : Bibliothèque et Archives Canada/Collection Charles R. Coutlee/c011261k

Canada Day
On July 1, 1867, Canada officially became an independent country from England. Canada Day is therefore celebrated each year on July 1st.
Source et Credits : Bibliothèque et Archives Canada/Confederation Life Insurance Company fonds/e011182255
Bilingualism in Canada
About one hundred years after Canada gained independence, French was recognized as an official language alongside English, which created a strong demand for bilingual employees in the public service and in business.

uOttawa
Ideally located at the heart of Canada's capital, the University of Ottawa has, since its founding in 1848, trained students in both languages. Promoting official bilingualism across Canada is a part of the University of Ottawa's mission, as it continues to train the bilingual leaders of tomorrow.
Credits : Alex Onoszko.
Source : Gestion des documents et des archives, Université d'Ottawa

Bilingualism at uOttawa
By embracing bilingualism into your academic life, you will help the University of Ottawa fulfill this important mandate. Many professors find that adopting bilingualism is a fruitful opportunity for personal and intellectual development.

OLBI
OLBI is here to support you in this enriching journey that will help you contribute to the development of an intellectual community that is both multicultural and distinctly Canadian.
profbil@uottawa.ca