Fire Code – finally in French

In 2021, a principal in a French-language school board contacted us after trying to obtain the French version of the Fire Code to find out what provisions apply to school facilities.

In 2021, a principal in a French-language school board contacted us after trying to obtain the French version of the Fire Code to find out what provisions apply to school facilities. However, the code, which is a provincial regulation, was only available in English. Under the French Language Services Act, it is up to the Attorney General to determine whether it is appropriate to translate a regulation.

Result: We raised the issue with the Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario, which reports to the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Following our intervention, the Fire Marshal committed to beginning the translation of the regulation in 2023.

We continued to conduct regular follow-ups, and in June 2025, the Office of the Fire Marshal informed us that it had completed the update and translation of the Fire Code. The revised code will be available in English and French when it comes into force in January 2026.