Bilingualism bonus

On this page

• Language requirements of positions
• Conditions for eligibility
• Eligibility based on employment status
• Historical background

Language requirements of positions

In some instances, federal government employees may be required to use both official languages in carrying out the functions and duties of their position.

In accordance with Section 91 of the Official Languages Act and the Directive on Official Languages for People Management, the language requirements of a position must be established objectively based on the functions to be performed by the incumbent of the position.

Employees who hold a position requiring proficiency in both English and French are eligible to receive a bilingualism bonus if the conditions listed in the Bilingualism Bonus Directive (the Directive) are met.

Conditions for eligibility

The bilingualism bonus is an annual payment of $800, calculated monthly and paid on the same basis as regular pay. It is paid to eligible employees who:

• occupy bilingual positions; and
• have Second Language Evaluation results confirming that they meet the language requirements of their position.

Eligibility for and payment of the bilingualism bonus is governed by the Directive. The Directive is deemed to be part of collective agreements between the parties to the National Joint Council. It applies to departments, agencies and Crown corporations listed in Schedules I and IV of the Financial Administration Act, as well as to the National Research Council and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (revised April 25, 2007). Some federal institutions, while not subject to the Directive, have adopted its principles. They offer their employees a bonus in accordance with their own system.

The provisions of the Directive also apply to persons not covered by collective agreements, as indicated in the Directive or in the employer’s policy. Certain groups, in particular the Executive (EX) Group, are not eligible for the bilingualism bonus.

Eligibility based on employment status

Employees who meet the above stated conditions are eligible for the bilingualism bonus based on their employment status:

Historical background

• At the end of the 19th century, the federal government paid an annual supplement to employees who could write in English and in French.
• On February 9, 1967, the Treasury Board announced, via document numbered 1967-6 to Heads of Agencies, the establishment of a differential of 7% for employees in secretarial, stenographic and typing positions requiring the use of both official languages. The effective date was identified as October 1, 1966.
• The 1969 Official Languages Act established the language rights and obligations for service to the public. The revised Act of 1988 set out rights and obligations pertaining to language of work.
• On October 15, 1977, the federal government issued Treasury Board Circular 1977-46, creating the bilingualism bonus plan retroactive to November 1, 1976.
• On January 16, 1987, the National Joint Council became responsible for the Directive. The Directive was amended on June 1, 1993, in response to the Public Service Reform Act.

For additional information about the bilingualism bonus and the corresponding Directive, please contact your manager, human resources department, or the person responsible for official languages for your institution.