Our two official languages are at the heart of Canadian identity. Protecting and promoting French-particularly its use in services to the public-and supporting official language minority communities are priorities.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced the tabling in Parliament of the draft regulations on the use of French in federally regulated private businesses. These regulations are part of the new Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act and provide a framework for the application of the language regime, the implementation of the new rights of consumers and employees, and the new obligations of employers regarding the use of French within federally regulated private businesses established by the Act.
These regulations aim to create work environments that reflect and respect Canada's cultural and linguistic diversity and make it possible for employees and consumers to communicate and work in French. It marks a key step in the process of achieving true equality of Canada's two official languages. The regulations specify the following:
- the list of regions with a significant Francophone population;
- the minimum number of employees required for a business to be subject to the Act;
- the rules regarding the provision of services and signage;
- the rights of employees to work in French;
- administrative obligations for businesses;
- possible exemptions for certain sectors or specific activities.
When the Act (by decree) and its regulations come into effect, the regime would first apply in Quebec, and then, two years later, in regions with a significant Francophone presence.
The Government of Canada remains committed to advancing language rights, to ensuring that all Canadians can work or receive services in French in regions of the country with a strong Francophone presence, including Quebec.
