Review of the Official Languages (Communications with and Services to the Public) Regulations (Updated)

Title or working title of regulatory initiative

Review of the Official Languages (Communications with and Services to the Public) Regulations

Enabling act(s)

Official Languages Act

Rationale

Review of regulations to align with evolving legislation, administrative needs or government priorities

Narrative

The review of these regulations was driven by the Government of Canada’s commitment to promoting and protecting official languages within the federal public service and with members of the public across the country. Provisions requiring amendments were identified to clarify the circumstances under which institutions must communicate with and provide services to the public in English, in French, or in both official languages.

Date of last review or amendment (year)

Amended in 2019

Targeted start for review (year)

The amended Official Languages Regulations requires a review be undertaken every 10 years. This review is expected to start in 2026-2027 in order to be completed by 2029.

Outcomes

The review of these regulations was completed in 2019. Amended regulations were registered by the Clerk of the Privy Council on June 25, 2019 and published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on July 10, 2019. The review produced more inclusive official languages regulations that better reflect community needs and respond to demographic and technological changes. The amendments will also enhance Canadians’ access to federal services in both official languages.

Departmental contact

Carsten Quell
Executive Director, Official Languages Centre of Excellence
Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer
613-462-1341
Carsten.Quell@tbs-sct.gc.ca

For more information

Consult the Treasury Board of Canada’s acts and regulations web page for:

  • a list of acts and regulations administered by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
  • further information on the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s implementation of government-wide regulatory management initiatives

Consult the following for links to the Cabinet Directive on Regulation and supporting policies and guidance, and for information on government-wide regulatory initiatives implemented by departments and agencies across the Government of Canada:

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit:

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