You have the right to use French to communicate with and receive services from the government of Ontario.
Ombudsman Ontario has a dedicated team to help protect that right, led by the French Language Services Commissioner of Ontario.
We are responsible for monitoring the application of the French Language Services Act. Based on your complaints and experiences, we recommend improvements to make services in French better for everyone.
If you are having trouble receiving government services in French, contact us.
Our services are free and confidential.
Make a complaint
How we help
We can help you with things like:
- Obtaining or correcting your official Ontario documents (health cards, driver’s licences, birth certificates)
- Navigating the process for government benefits or funding (housing, social benefits)
- Obtaining health services in French
- Receiving information from the government of Ontario in French
Some of the organizations you can complain to us about are:
- ServiceOntario
- Ministry of Francophone Affairs
- Ministry of the Attorney General
- Ministry of Health
- Ministry of Finance
- Hospitals, long-term care homes, universities and other organizations designated under the French Language Services Act
It’s not always easy to tell where service in French is available, or which agencies are required to serve you in French. If you’re not sure, contact us.
What we can’t do
There are some things we can’t do. We can’t:
- Take complaints about:
- Private companies (banks, retail stores)
- Federal government services or agencies (Passport Canada, Air Canada)
- Reverse decisions of elected officials
If we can’t help, we’ll help you figure out who can.
Still have questions?
How we’ve helped
Discover how our team has helped improve services in French in Ontario: