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Official Languages and Language Rights

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Learning objective

Discover the language rights of official language minorities and the laws that protect them.

 

Introduction

Canada has a population of over 41 millions (2024), of whom 22% have French as their first official language spoken. Nearly one million French-speaking individuals live outside Quebec, in the three territories and in other provinces across Canada.

Some facts:

  • French and English are Canada’s two official languages.
  • Francophone and Anglophone minorities have the right to primary and secondary education in the minority language, where the numbers warrant.
  • The modernized Official Languages Act came into effect in June 2023.
  • New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province.

 

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    1. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

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    This law, which is part of the Constitution of Canada, sets out the rights and freedoms of Canadians. It recognizes the equality of French and English. Language rights apply to both the federal government and the provincial government of New Brunswick.

    See the Guide to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms for more details.

    2. The Official Languages Act (OLA)

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    On June 20, 2023, Royal Assent was granted to Bill C-13, An Act for the Substantive Equality of Canada’s Official Languages, which amends the Official Languages Act (OLA).

    The modernized OLA continues to recognize French and English as the country’s two official languages and guarantees the right to receive government services in the official language of one’s choice in designated regions. In addition, this law acknowledges the distinct realities of all provinces and territories, as well as the minority status of the French language in North America.

    3. The Criminal Code

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    The Criminal Code guarantees the right of an accused person to have a criminal trial in the official language of their choice (French or English) or in the language that allows them to testify most effectively. This ensures that a person charged can make a full answer and defence. The language rights set out in the Criminal Code apply across Canada.

  • Although French is one of Canada’s two official languages, Francophones do not have the same rights and may not have access to the same services in all provinces and territories.

    Provinces are responsible for delivering health care to the majority of Canadians. Provinces and territories oversee the direct delivery of most medical services and operate under their own policies, laws and regulations concerning health care.

  • Quiz

    Feedback :

    The correct answer is:

    b) True

    Canada has a population of nearly 37 million people, of whom 22% have French as their first official language spoken. Nearly one million French-speaking individuals live Outside Quebec, in the three territories and in other provinces across Canada.

    Feedback :

    The correct answer is:

    b) False

    It was the modernized Official Languages Act that came into force in June 2023.

  • Go to Next Objective

    Access to Equitable French-Language Health Services in FMCs