The Act recognized equality of status of both English and French in all federal institutions. Its primary goal was to ensure that the population had access to federal services in the official language of choice.

The Act also created the position of Commissioner of Official Languages, whose role consists of overseeing the application of the Act, investigating complaints from members of the public, conducting studies and reporting to Parliament.

• "Finally, a report," video excerpt from the program CBC Newsmagazine, broadcast in 1967.
• Statement by Pierre Elliott Trudeau concerning the Official Languages Act, October 17, 1968.
• "Une loi sur les langues officielles," audio excerpt from the program Tel quel, broadcast in 1971.

The adoption of the Official Languages Act of New Brunswick in 1969 was a pivotal step in recognizing language rights in that province. The Act established English and French as the official languages of the legislature and government institutions of New Brunswick. It was then followed by numerous measures and other acts aimed at defining the province’s linguistic framework.

• "Le Nouveau-Brunswick officiellement bilingue," audio excerpt from the program Samedi magazine, broadcast in 1969.
• "L'Acadie, l'Acadie?!?," a film by Michel Brault and Pierre Perrault on the Université de Moncton students who fought for recognition of the French language in their province in 1968–1969.

The first legislative measure to promote the French language in Quebec made teaching the French language compulsory in English schools, but also gave parents the right to choose the language of instruction of their children, which gave rise to great concerns among part of the population.

• Act to promote french language in Quebec
• "Quebec premier introduces Bill 63," audio excerpt from a special program broadcast in 1969.
• "La 'loi 63' soulève l’ire des francophones," video excerpt from the program Le 60, broadcast in 1977.