Overview
Under the French Language Services Act, the French Language Services Commissioner can review complaints about the offer of services in French by or on behalf of government agencies and institutions of the Legislature. These include ministries, boards, commissions and corporations that have a majority of members and directors appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in council, as well as agencies designated in O. Reg. 398/93. The regulation specifies more than 250 hospitals, long-term care facilities, daycares, universities, and other public sector or non-profit entities.
As part of the Ombudsman’s Office, the Commissioner is completely independent of government, political parties, individual complainants and interest groups. The Commissioner has the power to investigate on his or her own initiative – that is, without a complaint – and to make recommendations to improve the delivery of French language services. These recommendations are based on evidence gathered through the assessment of complaints and interaction with individuals, government agencies, and officials as well as an analysis of relevant legislation.
The Commissioner leads the French Language Services Unit, a team of Early Resolution Officers and Investigators that is supported by the Ombudsman’s Legal Services, Communications, Finance and Information Technology, and Human Resources teams.
Problems accessing services in French? We can help.
Why file a complaint?
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Each complaint helps improve services in French
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We have helped resolve hundreds of cases
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We identify issues and make recommendations to improve French language services
Why our work matters
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We protect the language rights of Franco-Ontarians
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We monitor compliance with the French Language Services Act and apply a "Francophone lens” in our oversight of government services
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We investigate issues related to French language services
Contacts
French Language Services Unit
483 Bay Street
10th floor, South Tower
Toronto, ON M5G 2C9
We can
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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
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