Graham Fraser

Graham Fraser was appointed Canada’s Commissioner of Official Languages in 2006. He has been a champion of bilingualism and diversity throughout his distinguished career. As a journalist, he wrote in both official languages on cultural and foreign policy, constitutional debates and provincial, national and international politics for the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, the Gazette, Le Devoir and Maclean’s. The author of five books, including the influential Sorry, I Don’t Speak French, he has played a key role in explaining Quebec politics and the importance of bilingualism to Canadians.  

Fraser is the recipient of the Public Policy Forum’s Hyman Solomon Award for Excellence in Public Policy Journalism; the Baldwin-LaFontaine Award from the Canadian Club of Vancouver, which honours efforts in bilingualism and co-operation; and the Chevalier de l’Ordre de la Pléiade from the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie. He holds honorary doctorates from the University of Ottawa, Université Sainte-Anne, Université Laval, Concordia University and York University.