French Language Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, French Language Services Act

Today, December 5, 2024, current consolidated laws on e-Laws are current (up-to-date) to November 1, 2024 (e-Laws currency date).

French Language Services Act

R.S.O. 1990, Chapter F.32

Consolidation Period:  From April 11, 2022 to the e-Laws currency date.

Last amendment: 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13.

Legislative History: 1993, c. 27, Sched.; O. Reg. 407/94; 1997, c. 25, Sched. E, s. 3; 1997, c. 26, Sched.; 1999, c. 14, Sched. F, s. 4; 2000, c. 5, s. 12; 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table; 2006, c. 35, Sched. C, s. 48; 2007, c. 7, Sched. 16; 2007, c. 8, s. 204; 2009, c. 33, Sched. 6, s. 60; 2013, c. 16; 2017, c. 14, Sched. 4, s. 15; 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20; 2021, c. 25, Sched. 9; 2021, c. 39, Sched. 2, s. 8; 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13.

CONTENTS

Preamble

Definitions

1.

Definitions

Rights and Obligations

2.

Provision of services in French

2.1

Directives to government agencies

3.

Use of English or French in Legislative Assembly

4.

Translation of Statutes

4.

Regulations in French

5.

Right to services in French

6.

Existing practice protected

7.

Limitation of obligations of government agencies, etc.

8.

Regulations

9.

Public service agencies; limited designation

10.

Notice and comment re exempting regulation, etc.

Minister and Employees

11.

Responsible Minister

12.

Ministry

Accountability of Ministers, Reports

12.0.1

Accountability of ministers, reports

Provincial Advisory Committee on Francophone Affairs

12.0.2

Provincial Advisory Committee on Francophone Affairs

Ombudsman

12.1

Ombudsman

12.2

Functions of Ombudsman

12.4

Investigations

12.5

Annual Report of the French Language Services Commissioner

12.6

Other reports

12.9

French Language Services Commissioner

12.10

Protection from liability

French Language Services Co-ordinators

13.

French language services co-ordinators

Municipalities

14.

Municipal by-laws re official languages

Miscellaneous

15.

Transitional regulations

Review of the Act

16.

Review of Act

Schedule

 

 

Preamble

Whereas the French language is an historic and honoured language in Ontario and recognized by the Constitution as an official language in Canada; and whereas in Ontario the French language is recognized as an official language in the courts and in education; and whereas the Legislative Assembly recognizes the contribution of the cultural heritage of the French speaking population and wishes to preserve it for future generations; and whereas it is recognized that the cultural heritage of the French speaking population is enriched by its diversity; and whereas it is desirable to guarantee the use of the French language in institutions of the Legislature and the Government of Ontario, as provided in this Act;

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 1 - 09/12/2021

Definitions

Definitions

1 In this Act,

“government agency” means,

(a) a ministry of the Government of Ontario, except that a psychiatric facility, residential facility or college of applied arts and technology that is administered by a ministry is not included unless it is designated as a public service agency by the regulations,

(b) a board, commission or corporation the majority of whose members or directors are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council,

(c) a non-profit corporation or similar entity that provides a service to the public, is subsidized in whole or in part by public money and is designated as a public service agency by the regulations,

(d) a long-term care home as defined in the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 that is designated as a public service agency by the regulations or a home for special care as defined in the Homes for Special Care Act that is designated as a public service agency by the regulations,

(e) a service provider as defined in the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 or a board as defined in the District Social Services Administration Boards Act that is designated as a public service agency by the regulations,

and does not include a municipality, or a local board as defined in the Municipal Affairs Act, other than a local board that is designated under clause (e); (“organisme gouvernemental”)

“Minister” means the Minister of Francophone Affairs; (“ministre”)

“Ombudsman” means the Ombudsman appointed under the Ombudsman Act; (“ombudsman”)

“service” means any service or procedure that is provided to the public by a government agency or institution of the Legislature and includes all communications for the purpose. (“service”) R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 1; 1997, c. 25, Sched. E, s. 3; 2007, c. 7, Sched. 16, s. 1; 2007, c. 8, s. 204; 2013, c. 16, s. 1; 2017, c. 14, Sched. 4, s. 15; 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 1; 2021, c. 25, Sched. 9, s. 1; 2021, c. 39, Sched. 2, s. 8; 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 2.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1997, c. 25, Sched. E, s. 3 - 01/07/1998

2007, c. 7, Sched. 16, s. 1 - 17/05/2007; 2007, c. 8, s. 204 - 01/07/2010

2013, c. 16, s. 1 (1-4) - 01/01/2014

2017, c. 14, Sched. 4, s. 15 - 30/04/2018

2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 1 (1-3) - 01/05/2019

2021, c. 25, Sched. 9, s. 1 - 03/06/2021; 2021, c. 39, Sched. 2, s. 8 - 11/04/2022; 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 2 (1, 2) - 09/12/2021

Rights and Obligations

Provision of services in French

2 The Government of Ontario shall ensure that services are provided in French in accordance with this Act.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 2.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2013, c. 16, s. 2 - 01/01/2014

Directives to government agencies

2.1 (1) The Treasury Board or Management Board of Cabinet may issue directives to government agencies,

(a) governing the provision of services in French, including, for greater certainty, communications with the public that are services within the meaning of the definition of “service” in section 1;

(b) governing any matter prescribed by regulation for the purposes of this clause. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 3.

General or particular

(2) A directive issued under subsection (1) may be general or particular in its application. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 3.

Status

(3) Part III (Regulations) of the Legislation Act, 2006 does not apply with respect to directives issued under subsection (1). 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 3.

Compliance required

(4) Each government agency shall ensure that it complies with any directives issued under subsection (1). 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 3.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 3 - 09/12/2021

Use of English or French in Legislative Assembly

3 (1) Everyone has the right to use English or French in the debates and other proceedings of the Legislative Assembly.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 3 (1).

Bills and Acts of the Assembly

(2) The public Bills of the Legislative Assembly shall be introduced and enacted in both English and French. R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 3 (2); 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 4.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 4 - 09/12/2021

Translation of Statutes

4 (1) Before the 31st day of December, 1991, the Attorney General shall cause to be translated into French a consolidation of the public general statutes of Ontario that were re-enacted in the Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1980, or enacted in English only after the coming into force of the Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1980, and that are in force on the 31st day of December, 1990.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 4 (1).

Enactment

(2) The Attorney General shall present the translations referred to in subsection (1) to the Legislative Assembly for enactment.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 4 (2).

Translation of regulations

(3) The Attorney General shall cause to be translated into French such regulations as the Attorney General considers appropriate and shall recommend the translations to the Executive Council or other regulation-making authority for adoption.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 4 (3).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 4 of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 5)

Regulations in French

4 (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations,

(a) requiring regulations to be made in English and in French;

(b) requiring, for regulations that have already been made but that are not bilingual, that a French version be added by the regulation-making authority. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 5.

Exemptions

(2) Regulations made under subsection (1) may provide for exemptions from requirements made by such regulations and may prescribe conditions for any such exemptions. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 5.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 5 - not in force

Right to services in French

5 (1) A person has the right in accordance with this Act to communicate in French with, and to receive available services in French from, any head or central office of a government agency or institution of the Legislature, and has the same right in respect of any other office of such agency or institution that is located in or serves an area designated in the Schedule.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 5 (1).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 5 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 6 (1))

Right to services in French

(1) A person has the right in accordance with this Act to communicate in French with, and to receive available services in French from, any office of a government agency or institution of the Legislature,

(a) that is a head or central office;

(b) that is located in or serves an area designated by regulation for the purposes of this clause; or

(c) that is designated by regulation for the purposes of this clause. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 6 (1).

Active offer of services in French

(1.1) If a person has a right under subsection (1) to receive services in French from an office of a government agency or institution of the Legislature, the agency or institution shall do the following to bring the availability of those services in French to the attention of the person from the time contact is first made between the person and the office:

1. Take measures prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph.

2. Take such other measures as the agency or institution considers appropriate. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 6 (2).

Duplication of services

(2) When the same service is provided by more than one office in a designated area, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may designate one or more of those offices to provide the service in French if the Lieutenant Governor in Council is of the opinion that the public in the designated area will thereby have reasonable access to the service in French.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 5 (2).

Idem

(3) If one or more offices are designated under subsection (2), subsection (1) does not apply in respect of the service provided by the other offices in the designated area.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 5 (3).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 6 (1) - not in force; 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 6 (2) - 01/04/2022

Existing practice protected

6 This Act shall not be construed to limit the use of the English or French language outside of the application of this Act.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 6.

Limitation of obligations of government agencies, etc.

7 The obligations of government agencies and institutions of the Legislature under this Act are subject to such limits as circumstances make reasonable and necessary, if all reasonable measures and plans for compliance with this Act have been taken or made.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 7.

Regulations

8 The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations generally for the better administration of this Act and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, may make regulations,

(a) designating public service agencies for the purpose of the definition of “government agency”;

(a.1) prescribing matters for the purposes of clause 2.1 (1) (b);

(b) amending the Schedule by adding areas to it;

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause 8 (b) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 7 (3))

(b) designating areas for the purposes of clause 5 (1) (b);

(b.1) designating offices for the purposes of clause 5 (1) (c);

(b.2) prescribing measures for the purposes of paragraph 1 of subsection 5 (1.1);

(c) exempting services from the application of sections 2 and 5 where, in the opinion of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, it is reasonable and necessary to do so and where the exemption does not derogate from the general purpose and intent of this Act;

(d) governing the provision of services in French under a contract with a person who has agreed to provide services on behalf of a government agency, including the circumstances in which the agency may enter into such a contract. R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 8; 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 7 (1, 2, 4, 5).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 7 (1, 2, 5) - 09/12/2021; 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 7 (3) - not in force; 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 7 (4) - 01/04/2022

Public service agencies; limited designation

9 (1) A regulation designating a public service agency may limit the designation to apply only in respect of specified services provided by the agency, or may specify services that are excluded from the designation.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 9 (1).

Consent of university

(2) A regulation made under this Act that applies to a university is not effective without the university’s consent.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 9 (2).

Notice and comment re exempting regulation, etc.

10 (1) This section applies to a regulation,

(a) exempting a service under clause 8 (c);

(b) revoking the designation of a public service agency;

(c) amending a regulation designating a public service agency so as to exclude or remove a service from the designation.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 10 (1).

Idem

(2) A regulation to which this section applies shall not be made until at least forty-five days after a notice has been published in The Ontario Gazette and a newspaper of general circulation in Ontario setting forth the substance of the proposed regulation and inviting comments to be submitted to the Minister.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 10 (2); 2013, c. 16, s. 3.

Idem

(3) After the expiration of the forty-five day period, the regulation with such changes as are considered advisable may be made without further notice.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 10 (3).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2013, c. 16, s. 3 - 01/01/2014

Minister and Employees

Responsible Minister

11 (1) The Minister is responsible for the administration of this Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 11 (1); 2013, c. 16, s. 4 (2).

Functions

(2) The functions of the Minister are to develop and co-ordinate the policies and programs of the government relating to Francophone Affairs and the provision of French language services and for the purpose, the Minister may,

(a) prepare and recommend government plans, policies and priorities for the provision of French language services;

(b) co-ordinate, monitor and oversee the implementation of programs of the government for the provision of French language services by government agencies and of programs relating to the use of the French language;

(c) make recommendations in connection with the financing of government programs for the provision of French language services;

(d) review the availability and quality of French language services and make recommendations for their improvement;

(d.1) make recommendations relating to regulations under this Act;

(d.2) require non-profit corporations and similar entities, facilities, homes and colleges referred to in the definition of “government agency” in section 1 to furnish to the Ministry information that may be relevant in the formulation of recommendations respecting their designation as public service agencies;

(e) require the formulation and submission of government plans for the implementation of this Act and fix time limits for their formulation and submission,

and shall perform such duties as are assigned to the Minister by order in council or by any other Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 11 (2); 1993, c. 27, Sched.; 2007, c. 7, Sched. 16, s. 2 (1); 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 8 (1).

Same

(2.1) The Minister may promote, develop or participate in such activities, projects and programs as the Minister considers appropriate in relation to Francophone affairs and the provision of services in French. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 8 (2).

Annual report

(3) The Minister, after the close of each fiscal year, shall submit to the Lieutenant Governor in Council an annual report upon the affairs of the Ministry of Francophone Affairs and shall then lay the report before the Assembly if it is in session or, if not, at the next session. R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 11 (3); 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 8 (3).

(4) Repealed: 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 8 (4).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1993, c. 27, Sched. - 31/12/1991

2007, c. 7, Sched. 16, s. 2 (1, 2) - 17/05/2007

2013, c. 16, s. 4 (1, 2) - 01/01/2014

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 8 (1-4) - 09/12/2021

Ministry

12 There shall be a ministry of the public service to be known in English as the Ministry of Francophone Affairs and in French as le ministère des Affaires francophones. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 9.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1993, c. 27, Sched. - 31/12/1991

2006, c. 35, Sched. C, s. 48 - 20/08/2007

2013, c. 16, s. 5 (1, 2) - 01/01/2014

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 9 - 09/12/2021

Accountability of Ministers, Reports

Accountability of ministers, reports

12.0.1 Each minister is accountable to the Executive Council for, and shall report to the Executive Council on,

(a) the implementation of this Act by their ministry; and

(b) the quality of the French language services provided by their ministry. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 10.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 10 - 09/12/2021

Provincial Advisory Committee on Francophone Affairs

Provincial Advisory Committee on Francophone Affairs

12.0.2 (1) The Provincial Advisory Committee on Francophone Affairs, established by Order in Council, is continued. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 11.

Mandate

(2) The Committee shall provide advice to the Minister with respect to this Act and Ontario’s French speaking population. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 11.

Additional duties

(3) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may, by order, assign additional duties to the Committee. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 11.

Status

(4) Part III (Regulations) of the Legislation Act, 2006 does not apply with respect to an order made under subsection (3). 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 11.

Appointment

(5) The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 11.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 11 - 09/12/2021

Ombudsman

Ombudsman

12.1 (1) The Ombudsman may exercise the powers and shall perform the duties and functions assigned to him or her under this Act. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 2.

Same

(2) Every power possessed by the Ombudsman in carrying out his or her functions and responsibilities under the Ombudsman Act, and every duty to comply with the exercise of such a power, is also a power and duty under this Act, subject to any necessary modification. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 2.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2007, c. 7, Sched. 16, s. 3 - 17/05/2007; 2007, c. 7, Sched. 16, s. 4 - 20/08/2007

2013, c. 16, s. 6 - 01/01/2014

2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 2 - 01/05/2019

12.1.1-12.1.6 Repealed: 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 2.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2013, c. 16, s. 6 - 01/01/2014

2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 2 - 01/05/2019

Functions of Ombudsman

12.2 It is the function of the Ombudsman to encourage compliance with this Act by,

(a) conducting investigations into the extent and quality of compliance with this Act, pursuant to complaints relating to French language services made by any person or on the Ombudsman’s own initiative;

(b) preparing reports on investigations, including recommendations for improving the provision of French language services;

(c) monitoring the progress made by government agencies in providing French language services;

(d) advising the Minister on matters related to the administration of this Act; and

(e) performing such other functions as may be assigned to the Ombudsman by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.  2007, c. 7, Sched. 16, s. 3; 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 3, 8.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2007, c. 7, Sched. 16, s. 3 - 17/05/2007

2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 3, 8 - 01/05/2019

12.3 Repealed: 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 4.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2007, c. 7, Sched. 16, s. 3 - 17/05/2007

2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 4 - 01/05/2019

Investigations

12.4 (1) Subject to this Act, the Ombudsman may determine the procedure to be followed in conducting an investigation.  2007, c. 7, Sched. 16, s. 3; 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 8.

Notice to be given to deputy head

(2) Before beginning an investigation, the Ombudsman shall inform the deputy head or other administrative head of the government agency concerned of his or her intention to conduct an investigation.  2007, c. 7, Sched. 16, s. 3; 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 8.

Application of Public Inquiries Act, 2009

(3) Section 33 of the Public Inquiries Act, 2009 applies to an investigation by the Ombudsman under this Act.  2009, c. 33, Sched. 6, s. 60; 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 5 (1).

(3.1) Repealed: 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 5 (2).

Report on results of investigation

(4) The Ombudsman shall report the results of an investigation,

(a) where the investigation arises from a complaint, to the complainant and the deputy head or other administrative head of the government agency concerned; or

(b) where the investigation is at the Ombudsman’s own initiative, to the deputy head or other administrative head of the government agency concerned. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 5 (2).

Publication of report

(5) After reporting the results of an investigation under subsection (4), the Ombudsman may make the report public in any manner he or she considers appropriate. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 5 (2).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2007, c. 7, Sched. 16, s. 3 - 17/05/2007

2009, c. 33, Sched. 6, s. 60 - 01/06/2011

2013, c. 16, s. 7 (1, 2) - 01/01/2014

2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 5 (1, 2), 8 - 01/05/2019

Annual Report of the French Language Services Commissioner

12.5 (1) The Ombudsman shall ensure there is an annual report to the Speaker of the Assembly on the activities of his or her office under this Act. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 6.

Recommendations

(2) The report shall be known as the Annual Report of the French Language Services Commissioner and shall include the Commissioner’s recommendations for improving the provision of French language services. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 6.

Copy of report

(3) Upon the report being provided to the Speaker, the Ombudsman shall provide a copy of the report to the Minister. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 6.

Tabling of report

(4) The Speaker shall lay the report before the Assembly at the earliest reasonable opportunity. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 6.

Inclusion in Ombudsman report

(5) The annual report may, in the Ombudsman’s discretion, be included in the Ombudsman’s annual report prepared under section 11 of the Ombudsman Act. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 6.

Definition

(6) In this section,

“French Language Services Commissioner” means the French Language Services Commissioner appointed under subsection 12.9 (1). 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 6.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2007, c. 7, Sched. 16, s. 3 - 17/05/2007

2013, c. 16, s. 8 - 01/01/2014

2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 6 - 01/05/2019

Other reports

12.6 (1) The Ombudsman may at any time prepare and submit, to the Speaker of the Assembly, any other report that the Ombudsman considers appropriate on any matter related to this Act. 2013, c. 16, s. 8; 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 8.

Copy of report before submission

(2) Before submitting a report under subsection (1), the Ombudsman shall deliver a copy of it to any member of the Executive Council who presides over and has charge of any ministry or to the head of any public entity to which the report is relevant. 2013, c. 16, s. 8; 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 8.

Interpretation, head of a public entity

(3) A reference in subsection (2) to the head of a public entity is a reference to its chief executive officer or to a person who holds a similar position with respect to the public entity. 2013, c. 16, s. 8.

Copy of report

(4) Upon submitting a report under subsection (1), the Ombudsman shall provide a copy of it to the Minister and may provide a copy of it to any person whom the Ombudsman considers appropriate. 2013, c. 16, s. 8; 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 8.

Tabling of report

(5) Upon receiving a report under subsection (1), the Speaker of the Assembly shall lay it before the Assembly at the earliest reasonable opportunity. 2013, c. 16, s. 8.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2007, c. 7, Sched. 16, s. 3 - 17/05/2007

2013, c. 16, s. 8 - 01/01/2014

2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 8 - 01/05/2019

12.7 Repealed: 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 12.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2013, c. 16, s. 8 - 01/01/2014

2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 7 - 01/05/2019

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 12 - 09/12/2021

12.8 Repealed: 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 12.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 7 - 01/05/2019

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 12 - 09/12/2021

French Language Services Commissioner

12.9 (1) The Ombudsman shall appoint a Deputy Ombudsman who shall be known as the French Language Services Commissioner. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 7.

Duties

(2) The French Language Services Commissioner may exercise the powers and shall perform the duties of the Ombudsman under this Act, subject to the direction of the Ombudsman. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 7.

Employee

(3) The French Language Services Commissioner is an employee of the office of the Ombudsman. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 7.

French proficiency

(4) The French Language Services Commissioner shall be proficient in French. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 7.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 7 - 01/05/2019

Protection from liability

12.10 (1) No cause of action arises, no proceeding may be brought and no remedy is available or damages, costs or compensation payable in connection with any amendment made by Schedule 20 to the Restoring Trust, Transparency and Accountability Act, 2018 to this Act or anything done or not done in accordance with those amendments. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 7.

Same

(2) Subsection (1) applies whether the cause of action on which a proceeding is based arose before or after the day that subsection comes into force. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 7.

Proceedings set aside

(3) Any proceeding referred to in subsection (1) commenced before the day that subsection comes into force is deemed to have been dismissed, without costs, on that day. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 7.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 7 - 01/05/2019

French Language Services Co-ordinators

French language services co-ordinators

13 (1) A French language services co-ordinator shall be appointed for each ministry of the government other than the Ministry of Francophone Affairs. R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 13 (1); 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 13 (1).

Committee

(2) There shall be a committee consisting of the French language services co-ordinators, presided over by the deputy minister of Francophone Affairs or the deputy minister’s delegate. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 13 (2).

Communication

(3) Each French language services co-ordinator may communicate directly with his or her deputy minister.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 13 (3).

(4) Repealed: 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 13 (3).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2013, c. 16, s. 9 - 01/01/2014

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 13 (1-3) - 09/12/2021

Municipalities

Municipal by-laws re official languages

14 (1) The council of a municipality that is in an area designated in the Schedule may pass a by-law providing that the administration of the municipality shall be conducted in both English and French and that all or specified municipal services to the public shall be made available in both languages.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 14 (1).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 14 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “an area designated in the Schedule” and substituting “an area designated for the purposes of clause 5 (1) (b)”. (See: 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 14 (1))

Right to services in English and French

(2) When a by-law referred to in subsection (1) is in effect, a person has the right to communicate in English or French with any office of the municipality, and to receive available services to which the by-law applies, in either language.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, s. 14 (2).

Regional councils

(3) Where an area designated in the Schedule is in a regional municipality and the council of a municipality in the area passes a by-law under subsection (1), the council of the regional municipality may also pass a by-law under subsection (1) in respect of its administration and services.  2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 14 (3) of the Act is amended by striking out “an area designated in the Schedule” and substituting “an area designated for the purposes of clause 5 (1) (b)”. (See: 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 14 (2))

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table - 01/01/2003

2013, c. 16, s. 10 - 01/01/2014

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 14 (1, 2) - not in force

Miscellaneous

Transitional regulations

15 (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations providing for transitional matters arising from the enactment of Schedule 20 to the Restoring Trust, Transparency and Accountability Act, 2018. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 9.

Conflicts

(2) If there is a conflict between a regulation made under subsection (1) and a provision of this or any other Act or a provision of another regulation made under this or any other Act, the regulation made under subsection (1) prevails. 2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 9.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2018, c. 17, Sched. 20, s. 9 - 01/05/2019

Review of the Act

Review of Act

16 (1) At least every 10 years, the Government of Ontario shall review this Act. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 15.

Consultation

(2) As part of the review, the Minister shall, in a manner the Minister considers appropriate, inform the public that this Act is being reviewed and solicit the views of the public with respect to this Act. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 15.

When reviews shall begin

(3) The first review under this section shall begin before the end of 2031, and each subsequent review shall begin before the 10th anniversary of the beginning of the previous review. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 15.

Report

(4) Within one year after a review is completed, the Minister shall prepare a report setting out the findings of the review and deliver the report to the Speaker of the Assembly, who shall lay the report before the Assembly at the earliest reasonable opportunity. 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 15.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 15 - 09/12/2021

SCHEDULE

Municipality or District

Area

City of Greater Sudbury

All

City of Hamilton

All of the City of Hamilton as it exists on December 31, 2000

City of Ottawa

All

City of Toronto

All

Regional Municipality of Niagara

Cities of: Port Colborne and Welland

Regional Municipality of Peel

City of Brampton
City of Mississauga

Regional Municipality of York

City of Markham

County of Dundas

Township of Winchester

County of Essex

City of Windsor
Towns of: Belle River and Tecumseh
Townships of: Anderdon, Colchester North, Maidstone, Sandwich South, Sandwich West, Tilbury North, Tilbury West and Rochester

County of Frontenac

City of Kingston

County of Glengarry

All

County of Kent

Town of Tilbury
Townships of: Dover and Tilbury East

County of Middlesex

City of London

County of Prescott

All

County of Renfrew

City of Pembroke
Townships of: Stafford and Westmeath

County of Russell

All

County of Simcoe

Town of Penetanguishene
Townships of: Tiny and Essa

County of Stormont

All

District of Algoma

All

District of Cochrane

All

District of Kenora

Township of Ignace

District of Nippissing

All

District of Parry Sound

Municipality of Callander

District of Sudbury

All

District of Thunder Bay

Towns of: Geraldton, Longlac and Marathon
Townships of: Manitouwadge, Beardmore, Nakina and Terrace Bay

District of Timiskaming

All

R.S.O. 1990, c. F.32, Sched.; O. Reg. 407/94, s. 1; 1997, c. 26, Sched.; 1999, c. 14, Sched. F, s. 4; 2000, c. 5, s. 12; O. Reg. 407/94, s. 2 (as remade by O. Reg. 405/04, s. 1); O. Reg. 407/94, s. 3 (as made by O. Reg. 184/06, s. 1); O. Reg. 407/94, s. 4 (as made by O. Reg. 159/15, s. 1).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Schedule to the Act is repealed. (See: 2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 16)

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

O. Reg. 407/94, s. 1 - 01/07/1997; O. Reg. 407/94, s. 2 (as remade by O. Reg. 405/04, s. 1) - 01/01/2007; O. Reg. 407/94, s. 3 (as made by O. Reg. 184/06, s. 1) - 01/05/2009; O. Reg. 407/94, s. 4 (as made by O. Reg. 159/15, s. 1) - 01/07/2018; 1997, c. 26, Sched. - 01/01/1998; 1999, c. 14, Sched. F, s. 4 - 01/01/2001

2000, c. 5, s. 12 - 01/01/2001

2021, c. 40, Sched. 13, s. 16 - not in force