News and events

Keep up to date with most recent news and events of the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute.

Featured news

Elena Valenzuela

Elena Valenzuela to continue as OLBI Director

OLBI is pleased to announce that Elena Valenzuela’s term as Director has been renewed and her term will run July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029.

“It’s a privilege to pursue our mission with such a dedicated team. Bilingualism is central to our sense of being Canadian. Like multilingualism, it brings communities together, opens doors and enriches our collective identity. I am deeply committed to supporting these values through OLBI, and this renewal of my mandate is part of a common effort. I am really looking forward to everything we’ll accomplish together in the coming years.”
— Elena Valenzuela, OLBI Director, and Associate Dean, uOttawa Faculty of Arts

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Professor Sachiko Komatsu

Mobility Research Chair in Bilingualism | Appointment

The Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) is pleased to announce that Professor Sachiko Komatsu, a researcher from Ochanomizu University in Japan, has been appointed chairholder of the Mobility Research Chair in Bilingualism.
The Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) is pleased to announce that Professor Sachiko Komatsu, a researcher from Ochanomizu University in Japan, has been appointed chairholder of the Mobility Research Chair in Bilingualism.

September 21, 2026
Students from the TIER program

TIER program empowers university professors to teach with confidence in English

This summer, the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)’s Centre for Language Learning welcomed a delegation of 15 professors from the Autonomous University of Bucaramanga (UNAB), Colombia, as part of its Teaching Immersion and English Refinement (TIER) program.
This summer, the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)’s Centre for Language Learning welcomed a delegation of 15 professors from the Autonomous University of Bucaramanga (UNAB), Colombia, as part of its Teaching Immersion and English Refinement (TIER) program.

August 11, 2026
Ana Carolina Muñoz Cruz

Master of Arts in Bilingualism Studies | Ana Carolina Muñoz Cruz’s interpretative, retrospective approach

This article is the second in a series of profiles of master’s in Bilingualism Studies student-researchers. Ana Carolina Muñoz Cruz holds a bachelor’s in foreign language teaching (teaching English and French as a second language) from the University of Antioquia, in Colombia. For her master’s, she chose the thesis option.
This article is the second in a series of profiles of master’s in Bilingualism Studies student-researchers. Ana Carolina Muñoz Cruz holds a bachelor’s in foreign language teaching (teaching English and French as a second language) from the University of Antioquia, in Colombia. For her master’s, she chose the thesis option.

August 10, 2026
Graduate students from the BA in Bilingualism Studies program and their professor

Master of Arts (MA) in Bilingualism Studies: A research springboard for Janick Robidoux

Master of Arts in Bilingualism Studies graduate student Janick Robidoux conducted research as part of her program, and presented her findings at several conferences. Learn more about this young OLBI researcher’s achievements.
Master of Arts in Bilingualism Studies graduate student Janick Robidoux conducted research as part of her program, and presented her findings at several conferences. Learn more about this young OLBI researcher’s achievements.

July 16, 2026
Students standing outside talking

Join our 1-hour virtual info session for the Master of Arts (MA) in Bilingualism Studies!

Discover program details, explore available financial aid, and learn about exciting career paths for graduates.
Date and time: Nov. 17, 6pm to 7pm - Virtual

Upcoming events

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CCERBAL 2027
May 6 to May 8

CCERBAL 2027 Conference: Bilingualism and Multilingualism at the Intersections of Art, Science, and Technology

The CCERBAL 2027 Conference returns with the theme Bilingualism and Multilingualism at the Intersections of Art, Science, and Technology. Bringing tog…

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