French Language Services

News about French Language Services

• Message from the Commissioner

• December 10 2020 - Annual Report of the French Language Services Commissioner: 2019-2020 Annual Report of the French Language Services Commissioner of Ontario

• December 10 2020 - Press release: Commissioner calls on all Ontario ministries to produce plans to improve French language services

• December 7, 2020 - The Commissioner's Minute - 8th edition: Announcing the upcoming tabling of French Language Commissioner’s 2019-2020 Annual report

• September 25, 2020 - La Minute de la Commissaire - 7th edition: Celebrating Franco-Ontarian Day

• September 14, 2020 - La Minute de la Commissaire - 6th edition: "Can you speak about the concrete results you’ve achieved so far?"

• September 8, 2020 - The Commissioner's Minute - 5th edition: "Why is the month of September so important for Francophones?" And: "What do you do to preserve the French language and culture in Ontario?"

• August 31, 2020 - La Minute de la Commissaire - 4th edition: "What is your vision for French language services?" And: "What are your roles?"

• August 24, 2020 - La Minute de la Commissaire - 3rd edition: “What happens when you receive a complaint?” And also: “How long does it take to resolve a complaint?”

• August 17, 2020 - La Minute de la Commissaire - 2nd edition: “What is the advantage of being in an Ombudsman’s Office?” And: “Do you have autonomy in your work?”

• August 10, 2020 - La Minute de la Commissaire - First edition: “Why file a complaint?” And: “What does “last resort” mean?”

• July 29, 2020 - Statement by Commissioner on the launch of the Independent Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission

• June 30, 2020 - Press Release: Ombudsman reports on 2019-2020 - "A year like no other"

• May 1, 2020 - Statement by Commissioner: Integrating the FLSC into the Office of the Ombudsman – Reviewing year one

• May 1, 2020 - Press Release: Ombudsman marks one year of oversight of French language services and children and youth in care

• April 17, 2020 - Message from Commissioner: Availability of French language services during the COVID-19 state of emergency

• March 20, 2020 - Statement by Commissioner: Commissioner Kelly Burke reinforces the importance of French Language Services on 50th International Francophonie Day

• March 13, 2020 - Statement by Commissioner: Availability of French-Language services essential during coronavirus pandemic says French Language Commissioner

• January 23, 2020 - Statement by Commissioner: Joint funding agreement for new French-language university in Ontario is “great news for the francophone community” says Commissioner Burke

• January 15, 2020 - Press Conference: Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé and Commissioner Kelly Burke at Queen’s Park.

  • This link opens in a new tabWatch the press conference

  • This link opens in a new tabAccess the video transcript (accessible PDF - Bilingual)

  • Read more about the Commissioner

• January 13, 2020 - Press Release: Ombudsman appoints Kelly Burke as new French Language Services Commissioner

• August 15, 2019 - Press Release: Ontario Ombudsman launches nationwide search for French Language Services Commissioner

• May 2, 2019 - Press Release: Ombudsman can now take complaints about children’s aid societies and 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 This link opens in a new tabFrench Language Services Act.

 

Contacts

French Language Services Unit
483 Bay Street
10th floor, South Tower
Toronto, ON M5G 2C9

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

• Telephone: 416-847-1515

• TTY (teletypewriter): 1-866-411-4211

• Fax: 416-586-3485

• 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

 

Trends in cases (2019-2020 Annual Report)

• Overview

  • Impact of COVID-19

  • Communications and outreach

• Trends in cases

  • Podium signs

  • Emergency alerts

  • Identity cards

 

Investigations and case summaries

• Case summaries

 

Other resources

• This link opens in a new tabArchives - French Language Services