French Language Services

Overview

Under legislative changes that came into effect on May 1, 2019, the position of the French Language Services Commissioner was eliminated and all of his responsibilities were transferred to the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman now has a French Language Services Commissioner at the Deputy Ombudsman level, and a dedicated unit within our office for this work.

The Ombudsman’s jurisdiction and powers of investigation now include ensuring that the rights of Ontarians and the obligations of government agencies are respected according to the French Language Services Act.

 

Contacts

French Language Services Unit
800 Bay Street, Suite 402
Toronto, ON M5S 3A9
 

• Toll-free (inside Ontario only): 1 866 246-5262

• Telephone: 416-847-1515

• TTY (teletypewriter): 416-640-0093

• Fax: 416-847-1520

• Email: sf-fls@ombudsman.on.ca

• Online complaint form

We can

• Review and investigate unresolved complaints and investigate systemic issues, report publicly and make recommendations to the government regarding the provision of French language services, to promote compliance with the French Language Services Act.

We cannot

• Take complaints about:

  • Private companies or individuals

• Overturn decisions of elected officials or direct them on public policy

Other resources

• Archives - French Language Services

• Join us at the annual conference of the International Association of Language Commissioners in Toronto in June, with ombudsmen, language commissioners, and language rights experts from around the world.