The Official Languages Act requires federal institutions to serve Canadians in the official language of their choice in designated offices where there is significant demand. The Act recognizes the right of Canadians to be served in their official language in their dealings with their government.
About one-third of federal offices and service points across Canada are designated to communicate with and provide services in either English or French to Canadians. To find out where these offices or facilities are located, please consult the on-line directory Burolis.
In designated bilingual offices and service points, it is up to the staff to actively offer services in both official languages to the public, by using a bilingual greeting and other means, such as appropriate signage.
Approximately 40% of positions in the Public Service of Canada require knowledge of both official languages. A person knowing one official language can reach executive level in most parts of Canada.
Unilingual Canadians are welcomed into the public service. Language training is available after appointment and as part of employees’ career plans.
The makeup of all institutions subject to the Act generally reflects the makeup of Canada, where about three quarters of the population is Anglophone and about one quarter is Francophone.
