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Reflecting on the Languages Canada 18th Annual Conference

Feb 27, 2025

The Languages Canada 18^th Annual Conference brought together leaders, educators, and partners from across the Official Languages education segment to discuss pressing issues, share best practices, and chart the path forward for the sector. Held in Ottawa, February 19-22, the event was a dynamic blend of engaging presentations, insightful panel discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities. As well, it served as the launching pad for the association’s next strategic cycle, introduced at the conference through the 2025-2029 Languages Canada Strategic Plan.

This year’s conference theme, “Celebrating Canada’s Official Languages Educators,” underscored the essential role that language educators play in shaping Canada’s bilingual landscape. The event was an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedication of educators who help students navigate English and French language learning, fostering cultural understanding and academic success. A number of sessions explored innovative teaching methodologies, technologies, and strategies that support the sector’s commitment to quality education and student protection.

“Whether we are teaching English or French, we are part of a movement that transcends borders, builds bridges, and opens new doors for students, businesses, and communities.”

Gary Gervais, President of Heartland International English School and President of the Languages Canada Board of Directors.

Unveiling Languages Canada’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan

One of the most anticipated moments of the conference was the unveiling of Languages Canada’s new strategic plan, which sets the direction for the organization over the coming years. The Languages Canada Strategic Plan 2025-2029, which was unanimously approved by membership, outlines a forward-thinking roadmap to strengthen Canada’s Official Languages education sector amid evolving global and domestic challenges. The plan builds on past successes while addressing key issues such as policy uncertainty, changing student demographics, and technological advancements.

The key strategic goals for the association over the next five years are:

Generating Resources
The plan prioritizes securing new revenue streams beyond membership fees to fund strategic initiatives, ensuring sustainability without increasing financial burdens on members.

Communicating Value
A major focus is on demonstrating the impact of Official Languages education to government, stakeholders, and the public, highlighting its role in economic, social, and cultural integration.

Improving Recruitment Channels
Strategies include diversifying student recruitment, enhancing marketing strategies, and leveraging government-supported programs to attract more international learners.

Raising the Bar on Quality
The plan strengthens the associations quality assurance framework, promotes high standards, and integrates emerging technologies to enhance learning and operational efficiency.

Building Community
Fostering collaboration among members, encouraging professional development, and enhancing peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

With a strong emphasis on advocacy, quality assurance, and resource diversification, the plan positions Languages Canada as a key driver of policy influence and sector-wide innovation. It underscores the transformative power of language education in shaping Canada’s multicultural and bilingual identity.

Official Languages and Bilingualism

A major highlight of the conference was the opening keynote by University of Ottawa President and Vice-Chancellor Jacques Frémont and a panel discussion featuring Julie Boyer, Assistant Deputy Minister, Official Languages, Heritage and Regions, Department of Canadian Heritage, Martin Normand, CEO, Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC), and Yves Y. Pelletier, Associate Vice-President, Francophonie, University of Ottawa. These sessions focused on the importance of promoting both official languages in education and society and explored the ways in which language educators help to strengthen linguistic communities and enhance Canada’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Advocacy and Government Relations

International education advocacy took centre stage as Languages Canada welcomed Pari Johnston, President and CEO, Colleges and Institutes Canada, Larissa Bezo, President and CEO, Canadian Bureau for International Education, Annie Barrette, Vice President, Policy and Public Affairs, Universities Canada, and Michael Sangster, CEO, National Association of Career Colleges for a whole-of-sector discussion on rebuilding Canada’s global reputation and supporting institutions through a changing policy landscape.

Participants also had the opportunity to hear first-hand from Julie Spattz, Senior Director, International Students at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada who provided information regarding recent federal immigration policy and ISP updates, while recorded video messages from Melissa Lantsman, MP for Thornhill and Co-Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party, Heather McPherson, MP for Edmonton Strathcona (NDP), and Joel Godin, MP for Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier (Conservative) were played to attendees.

Building Momentum for the Year Ahead

Another key focus of the conference was marketing and student recruitment, with sessions dedicated to exploring the latest trends and current market dynamics, and effective strategies for attracting international students to Canada’s Official Languages programs. Sessions included a panel on the “Power of the EduCanada Brand and Study in Canada Fairs,” with senior representatives from Global Affairs Canada and BMI | Times Higher Education, and “Working with the Trade Commissioner Service” with education trade commissioners from Mexico and Colombia.

Attendees also had the opportunity to hear about the inaugural year of the Languages Canada Consortium, the latest recognized organization of the IRCC’s International Experience Canada program, as well as study and work abroad opportunities for Canadian youth in South Korea and France.

As the conference wrapped up, one thing was clear: the Official Languages education sector is at a pivotal moment. From navigating government relations and advocating for fair policies to rebuilding Canada’s reputation, Languages Canada members left the conference with renewed determination to strengthen and future-proof the industry.

“The messages I am receiving are of congratulations and gratitude from participants. People felt welcome and connected, and there was a real sense of community and common purpose. I’m enthusiastic about the progress we can make in the coming year as a determined and united sector.”

Gonzalo Peralta, Executive Director, Languages Canada.

During the Annual General Meeting held on Saturday, February 22, Languages Canada members welcomed their new board of directors:

Gary Gervais (President), Heartland International English School
Chris Mediratta (Vice President – Private), ILSC Education Group
Stéphane Lemelin (Vice President – Public and Director responsible for French programs), Collège de Sainte-Anne-de-La-Pocatière
Shaun MacLeod (Treasurer), Canadian College of English Language (CCEL)
Lisa Morgan (Secretary), University of Toronto English Language Program
Sharon Curl (Past President), Oxford International Education Group
Robin Adams, Centre of English Studies (CES)
Jesse Black-Allen, Seneca Polytechnic
Karen Burkett, Queen’s University School of English
Veronica Cartagenova, Collège Canada / Canada College
Carolina Cook, ATPAL Languages
Angela Johnston, International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC)
Evan Lavoie, University of Ottawa Centre for Language Learning
Kerrianne MacKenzie, Cape Breton Language Centre
Sheri Rhodes, Mount Royal University
Corinne Whitney, Georgian College