Change in policy regarding language requirements for bilingual supervisory positions
November 28, 2024 – Defence Stories
In February 2021, the Government of Canada released English and French: Towards a substantive equality of official languages in Canada, a report in which it committed to revising the minimum second-language requirements for bilingual supervisory positions.
The Treasury Board Secretariat’s Directive on Official Languages for People Management was amended to deliver on this commitment and to strengthen bilingualism in the public service. As of June 20, 2025, the minimum second-language proficiency requirements for bilingual positions involving the supervision of employees occupying positions in bilingual regions will be increased from BBB to CBC. This new requirement will support supervisors in carrying out complex tasks in both official languages and will help to foster and maintain a workplace where employees feel truly comfortable using the official language of their choice.
When will this policy change take effect?
- Effective June 20, 2025, new appointments made to bilingual supervisory positions responsible for the supervision of employees occupying positions in bilingual regions will require a minimum linguistic profile of CBC (or equivalent).
- The linguistic profiles of bilingual supervisory positions held by incumbents who occupied the position prior to June 20, 2025, and who do not meet the new requirement will be increased only when these positions become vacant.
What does this mean for you?
If you are employed in a bilingual region, you will have the right to be supervised and evaluated in the official language of your choice, regardless of the linguistic designation of your position.
Actions taken by the Department of National Defence
The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces launched a working group to evaluate, develop and implement a feasible workplan that will position the Defence Team to meet its new legislative requirements for Official Languages. The strategic intent is to examine the impacts of enhanced language rights resulting from the modernization of the Official Languages Act within the Defence Team’s organizational framework, fostering a culture of bilingualism that aligns with legislative requirements and enhances inclusivity and service accessibility for all members.
Additional information will be made available in the coming months. In the meantime, if you have any questions, we encourage you to communicate with your manager/coordinator of official languages (accessible only on the National Defence network) or consult the official languages webpage: Minimum second-language proficiency requirements for bilingual positions involving the supervision of employees occupying positions in bilingual regions.
Other references
- Directive on Official Languages for People Management
- Qualification Standards in Relation to Official Languages
Paul Forget
A/Director Official Languages