Reimbursement of fees for exclusions on medical grounds (24-02)

Under the Public Service Official Languages Exclusion Approval Order, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has the exclusive authority to approve exclusions from meeting official language proficiency requirements on medical grounds for organizations subject to the Exclusion Approval Order.

A person may be excluded from meeting the linguistic profile of a bilingual position in a non-imperative appointment when they have a medical condition that prevents them from learning their second official language or achieving the linguistic profile of the position.

As of July 1, 2024, hiring departments and agencies will be responsible for the fees, previously paid by the PSC, for the independent medical reviews that allow the PSC to render a decision on requests for exclusions on medical grounds.

The role and authorities of the PSC have not changed. The PSC will continue to provide advice and guidance on the application of the exclusion order and render decisions on requests for exclusion on medical grounds. An independent medical review officer will conduct a medical file review to determine a person’s ability to learn a second official language and provide an expert medical recommendation to the PSC. The PSC will then let the department or agency know whether their request has been granted or denied, normally within 3 weeks of the medical review officer receiving the relevant medical information from the department or agency and the person concerned.

The Exclusions from meeting official language proficiency - Frequently Asked Questions have been updated to include a question on fees and the process for reimbursement. For questions about this change, please contact cfp.delo-eao.psc@cfp-psc.gc.ca.