Where can I receive services from the federal government in both English and French?
The Official Languages Regulations are “the instruction manual” on bilingual service to the public. They define the obligations of federal institutions and the rights of Canadians. Under these regulations, about 95% of minority communities in Canada are able to receive at least some federal services in their own language. For a list of offices that provide services in both official languages, consult Burolis. Does the Official Languages Act require all Canadians to be bilingual? This is a common misconception, and the answer is NO. The Official Languages Act puts the obligation of offering services in both official languages on the federal governmentnot individuals. Naturally, this means that some positions in the federal government must be filled by employees who can serve clients in both English and French. Although the Act does not require anyone to learn the other official language, many Canadians view learning a second language as an opportunity for personal enhancement, a profess
