The year 2009 marks forty years since the introduction of Canada's Official Languages Act. In 1969, English and French were declared the country's two official languages and there has been ongoing debate about how best to establish harmonious relations between English- and French-speaking Canadians. The Official Languages Act significantly expanded opportunities to secure services in the two official languages throughout Canada, attempted to improve the situation of official language minorities, and encouraged the population to learn the two official languages. Achieving these objectives has not been simple. While public support has grown over time, some observers believe the legislation has gone too far while others believe it has not gone far enough. "Life After Forty", edited by Jack Jedwab and Rodrigue Landry, includes essays from several of the country's leading experts who assess the effectiveness of Canada's Official Languages Act and propose ways in which it can meet future challenges in addressing the language situation.
Specific focus is directed to the impact of the legislation on the condition of official language minorities in Canada and the degree of bilingualism of the population.