Table comparing the 1991 Regulations with the 2019 amended Regulations and the anticipated impact

Category 1991 Regulations 2019 Regulations Impact Coming into force
Inclusive demographics The calculation method does not take into account all immigrants or bilingual family members. The new inclusive calculation method captures all immigrants and bilingual family members when they use the minority official language at home. More people are considered when calculating the demand for services in the minority official language. Immediately upon publication of the 2021 Census data (anticipated: fall 2022)
Demographic protection If the proportion of the minority population falls below a certain threshold, bilingual services may stop. In census metropolitan areas and in census subdivisions, an office will remain bilingual when the minority population that it serves has remained the same or has increased, even if its proportion with regard to the general population has declined. Bilingual services continue to be available, regardless of the proportion of the minority community to the general population. One year after the publication of the 2021 Census data (anticipated: fall 2023 – winter 2024)
Community vitality There are no provisions that include a vitality indicator for the minority population. The presence of a minority school in a federal office’s service area becomes a factor when determining an office’s bilingual designation. Communities with a minority school will have access to services in both official languages. Immediately upon publication of the 2021 Census data (anticipated: fall 2022)
Technology All Government of Canada toll-free lines are automatically bilingual. All services offered to the public by means of videoconferencing are also automatically designated as bilingual. Services offered to the public by means of videoconferencing will be in both official languages. One year after the publication of the 2021 Census data (anticipated: fall 2023 – winter 2024)
Services in airports and train stations Various language designations for airports in provincial capitals. All airports and train stations in provincial capitals are required to provide bilingual services. All airports and train stations in provincial capitals are automatically designated bilingual. June 25, 2020
Expanded list of services most frequently used by the public (key services) List of key services:
Income security
Post offices
Employment centres
Tax services
Canadian Heritage
Public Service Commission
RCMP (in particular areas)
The following services are added as key services:
Regional development agencies
Business Development Bank of Canada
All services offered by Service Canada (incl. employment and pension)
Passport offices
The list of services with greater impact on community vitality is expanded. Immediately upon publication of the 2021 Census data (anticipated: fall 2022)
Consultation with minority language community
(when the choice of a bilingual office among several has to be made)
The obligation to consult exists as a general principle in a government directive. The Regulations specify that the choice of a bilingual office depends on the advice received following community consultations. A strengthened obligation for federal institutions to consult the minority community. Already in force
Analysis of the Regulations every 10 years The Regulations had not been updated in over 25 years and there was no requirement to analyze how well they worked. A comprehensive analysis of the Regulations to take place every 10 years. An analysis every 10 years will determine whether the Regulations still meet the needs and realities of the public. Already in force

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