The Observatory’s mission is to promote access to information related to the fundamental and dynamic field of language rights. Mainly devoted to the political and legal issues surrounding official language minorities in Canada, the Observatory also explores the evolution of the country’s unique diversity and its indigenous issues. For obvious reasons, the particularities of Quebec’s linguistic situation is the subject of detailed analyses.

Hosted by the Université de Montréal’s Centre de recherche en droit public (CRDP), this scientific platform seeks to collect and disseminate all information concerning language rights of communities being impacted by new paradigms in this field. In addition to compiling an exhaustive list of pertinent legislation, relevant case law and doctrinal works, the Observatory is also responsible for ensuring the organization of various educational and scientific events, such as symposia and seminars.

Active and engaged on both traditional and social media platforms, the Observatory’s members also participate in events addressing the language issue that are held outside the traditional academic framework. Media monitoring, combined with a blog that is run by our directors and open to researchers and correspondents alike, optimizes the quality of the on-going dialogue between the Observatory, academia and civil society.

Additional attention is given to various foreign jurisdictions experiencing similar linguistic concerns. Currently, academic contributions are coming in from Catalonia, Belgium, Morocco, Russia, Switzerland, Peru, Italy, western Africa (Francophone) and southern Africa. Naturally, this international network boosts the Observatory’s international reputation and, consequently, that of the Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Law as well.