Message from the Director and mission

Message from the Director

I am delighted to welcome you to the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) at the University of Ottawa, a center of excellence recognized for its commitment to promoting bilingualism as well as for its nationally and internationally renowned research activities.

As a first-generation Canadian who has benefited from Canada's bilingualism policies, I am committed to the importance of a pluralistic and inclusive approach to language learning. At OLBI, we are dedicated to embracing and celebrating linguistic diversity in support of our university’s bilingualism mission.

Since its creation, OLBI has played a fundamental role as a leader in the study and promotion of official languages in Canada and to bilingual education. Our institute is not only a place of teaching and training but also a dynamic center for research, innovation, and collaboration. We work closely with academics, researchers, students, as well as public and private organizations, to develop innovative solutions that address current challenges in bilingualism and language planning.

Our team, made up of passionate and highly skilled professionals, is committed to fostering a dynamic and enriching environment where innovative ideas thrive. Through our programs and initiatives, we promote interdisciplinarity, collaboration, and knowledge sharing to achieve excellence across all areas of our work.

I am particularly proud of our commitment to linguistic inclusion, which underscores our commitment to fostering cultural and linguistic diversity. Together, we will continue to promote an environment where every voice is heard and valued, thus contributing to strengthening social cohesion and enriching our society.

I warmly invite you to explore our website and browse through our various pages to discover everything OLBI has to offer. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply passionate about languages, we hope you will find here a space for discovery and inspiration.

Elena Valenzuela
Director
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute

Mission, vision and values

Promote excellence and innovation in the fields of bilingualism and language acquisition. To this end, we endeavour to:

Create a dynamic and inspiring learning environment that provides a bridge to professional, academic, cultural and personal growth;
Be a leading national and international hub for Canadian expertise, research and public policy on bilingualism, social cohesion and citizenship as they relate to linguistic duality;
Act as a catalyst for the development, promotion and dissemination of innovative language teaching and evaluation methods as well as cutting-edge research.