Linguistic Identification of Canadian Armed Forces Positions Introduced: Increasing respect for language rights one position at a time

September 20, 2022 - Defence Stories

Developed by the Directorate of Official Languages (DOL), the Canadian Forces Military Personnel Instruction (CF Mil Pers Instruction 02/22) (accessible only on the National Defence network) is a Policy that creates the process to determine the need for mandated and institutional bilingual positions throughout the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). 

This Policy was undertaken as a result of the CDS Strategic Initiating Directive - CAF Second Official Language Capacity Building (accessible only on the National Defence network), which is intended, among other things, to objectively identify the CAF’s true bilingual needs. This will, in turn, better determine the second official language training and resources required to meet those needs. The changes introduced by the Policy will give leadership a more accurate picture of the bilingual requirements of CAF positions across the organization.

Welcoming the creation of this policy, Colonel Julien Richard, Director Official Languages, indicates that, “the correct linguistic identification of positions will lead to greater respect for the official language rights of DND employees and CAF members.”

Section 91 of the Official Languages Act (OLA), in general terms, states that the official language requirements of positions must be determined through an objective evaluation of the functions performed by that position.

Col. Richard also said that the implementation of this policy is part of the CAF’s strategy to comply with the OLA, as well as the Treasury Board Policy on Official Languages. 

“In this vein, we have recently developed, among other things, DAOD 5039-6 CAF: Training and Education in Both Official Languages (IT&E), which states that CAF members should receive IT&E in the official language of their choice, regardless of where they serve. This helps promote equal career opportunities and improves course completion rates. Additional directives and instructions are being finalized to ensure that the use of both Official Languages is maintained within our organizations,” he said.

The release of this policy fills a gap that has existed for many years. While an up-to-date ADM(HR-Civ) directive existed to assist delegated managers in making objective assessments for linguistic identification of DND positions, there was no recent equivalent in the CAF.

The policy, which takes effect on the date of its publication, instructs commanders and Approving Authorities on how to proceed, emphasizing that they are responsible, in consultation with their Coordinators of Official Languages, for ensuring that linguistic identification of CAF positions in their respective organizations and units is accurate and current. A cyclical review will take place at least every five years as part of the Linguistic Review of Positions / Automated Establishment Report verification process.

This Policy replaces A-PD-100-001/AG-000 Manual for Identifying Language Requirements of Military and Civilian Positions dated December 1, 2000.