Official Languages for the Defence Community
Canada’s official languages (OL) are English and French. Both are fundamental to Canada’s national identity and heritage. Our official languages link Canadians across the country and connect us at home and abroad.
While the OL policies and practices of the Government of Canada apply first and foremost to serving the public at large, they also have particular applications for the Defence community. This is the case regardless of whether you are a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member, an employee of the Department of National Defence (DND), Staff of Non-Public Funds CF (SNPF CF) or a CAF or veteran family member.
The Official Languages Act (OLA) plays a key role in defining your official language protections. Review The Official Languages Act: Understanding Its Principles and Implementation for more information on its history. In addition, you may consult the resources section of our website to learn more about related regulations and policies.
You have OL rights, roles, and responsibilities which vary based on whether you are serving the public or using public services. They involve:
- OL in the workplace,
- the provision of official communications and services to the public,
- OL in professional development and second language instruction, and
- the availability of personalized services in both official languages.
If you feel your OL rights have been infringed, consult the resources you’ll find on our website.
Every situation is unique. Contact our office if exceptional reasons, like time sensitivity, health, security, or financial concerns for you or your family, prevent you from addressing your concerns through regular channels. Where these compelling reasons exist, our office can ensure the appropriate parties are aware of your circumstances and making informed decisions.
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Addressing Official Languages Issues and Complaints
We have prepared specific content for CAF members, DND employees, and SNPF CF employees to help answer your OL questions. This content addresses:
We recommend that you start with an informal conversation with the responsible manager or your local OL coordinator. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of these informal discussions, you may take your concerns to a higher and more formal level of responsibility.
Director Official Languages (DOL)
The DOL administers and operates the DND/CAF OL program. In addition to developing an OL policy framework that applies to both the CAF and DND, the DOL coordinates implementation, addresses complaints and promotes OL rights and responsibility awareness.
Anyone can file an OL complaint with the DOL to address an incident they claim infringes the OLA. You do not need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. For more information, consult the OL recourse and complaints mechanisms web page.
Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages (OCOL)
Anyone can file a complaint with the OCOL— even on behalf of another person — if they wish to report a potential infringement of the OLA. You do not need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Find out more about filing an OCOL complaint by consulting the Office’s website.
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Additional resources
Resources for the Public
- Official Languages Regulations (Communications with and Services to the Public)
- The Policy on Official Languages
- The Official Languages Act and you is a summary of OLA rights and responsibilities involving the public, federal public servants, and federal institutions.
- Language rights - Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada
- Official languages and bilingualism is a compilation of OL information on The Canadian Heritage - Official Languages Branch web page.
Resources for Federal Public Servants
- Official Languages in the Public Service is a compilation of OL legislation, regulations, policies, guidance and publications for the federal public service workplace on the Treasury Board Secretariat web site.
- Official Languages in the Federal Public Service is a Library of Parliament Research publication which describes OLA fundamental principles as they apply to a federal public service workplace.
Departmental Resources for CAF members and DND employees (only available on the Defence network)
- DAOD 5039 Official Languages is the integrated departmental policy suite for OL in DND and the CAF.
- Director Official Languages (DOL)
- DND/CAF OL Action Plan 2023-2028 (OLAP 2023-2028)
- DND Human Resources-Civilian Official languages (Intranet)
- DND Employee OL rights and responsibilities
- Second language training and evaluation (for DND employees, CAF General Officers and Flag Officers)
- Canadian Forces Language School (for CAF members)
- Allies Web is a self-directed second language online learning and skills maintenance program for DND employees and CAF members.
Resource for Military Families
- DAOD 5044-1 Families deals specifically with the unique circumstances of CAF members and their families. Section 3, Canadian Armed Forces Commitment to Families addresses OL and military families and their rights to receive specific family services in both official languages.
Contact us
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- Request a presentation to learn how we can help your organization
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Mailing address
Office of the Ombudsman
100 Metcalfe Street 12th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5M1