Université Sainte-Anne at Church Point awarded an honorary doctorate to Graham Fraser, federal commissioner of Official Languages during spring convocation Saturday afternoon.

Fraser addressed the graduates and expressed to them the importance of being bilingual in Canada.

"By coming to Université Sainte-Anne you took that step to become bilingual," said Fraser. "It will open doors for them on a professional level."

"Many Canadians also realize that knowing both official languages enriches their lives in other ways as well. It makes learning a third language that much easier."

Fraser praised the university for its 'family' setting, something he appreciated after living in Toronto.

Fraser, a journalist, professor, author and lecturer, was appointed Canada's sixth commissioner of Official Languages in October, 2006.

He is best known as the author of ‘Sorry I Don't Speak French’, published in March, 2006, which helped renew debate on language policy in Canada.