News from the French Language Services Unit

2024

• July 12, 2024 - Press release: French Language Services Commissioner urges Ontario to respect law; make all out-of-home advertising bilingual

• July 12, 2024 - Investigation Report: “Missed Messages” - Investigation into unilingual out-of-home government advertising regarding health services between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2023

2023

• December 7, 2023 - Annual Report: 2022-2023 Annual Report of the French Language Services Commissioner of Ontario

• December 7, 2023 - Press release: French Language Services Commissioner reports robust results for Francophones and 40% increase in cases

• December 4, 2023 - Press release: Ombudsman appoints Carl Bouchard as French Language Services Commissioner of Ontario

• July 31, 2023 - Press release: Ontario Ombudsman engages firm to conduct search for next French Language Services Commissioner

• July 6, 2023 - Press release: French Language Services Commissioner to investigate unilingual government out-of-home advertising

• March 8, 2023 - Press release: Statement from Carl Bouchard, Interim French Language Services Commissioner

• March 8, 2023 - Press release: Statement from Ombudsman Paul Dubé re Interim Commissioner

• March 3, 2023 - Press release: Ombudsman announces search for new French Language Services Commissioner

2022

• December 7, 2022 - Annual Report: 2021-2022 Annual Report of the French Language Services Commissioner of Ontario

• December 7, 2022 - Press release: French Language Services Commissioner reports “important advancements” in 2021-2022

• March 31, 2022 - Press release: Laurentian University and province failed to protect French programs from cuts during restructuring, Commissioner reports

• March 31, 2022 - Investigation Report: "Strengthening the Designation: A Collaborative Effort"

2021

• December 7, 2021 - Annual Report: 2020-2021 Annual Report of the French Language Services Commissioner of Ontario

• December 7, 2021 - Press release: French Language Services Commissioner recommends assessment tool to aid government in protecting Ontario's "Linguistic Health"

• September 25, 2021 - Press release: Statement from the Commissioner on Franco-Ontarian Day 2021

• June 16, 2021 - Press release: French Language Services Commissioner to investigate cuts at Laurentian University

2020

• December 10, 2020 - Annual Report: 2019-2020 Annual Report of the French Language Services Commissioner of Ontario

• December 10, 2020 - Press release: Commissioner calls on all Ontario ministries to produce plans to improve French language services

• December 7, 2020 - The Commissioner's Minute - 8th edition: This link opens in a new tabAnnouncing the upcoming tabling of French Language Commissioner’s 2019-2020 Annual report

• September 25, 2020 - La Minute de la Commissaire - 7th edition: This link opens in a new tabCelebrating Franco-Ontarian Day

• September 14, 2020 - La Minute de la Commissaire - 6th edition: This link opens in a new tab"Can you speak about the concrete results you’ve achieved so far?"

• September 8, 2020 - The Commissioner's Minute - 5th edition: This link opens in a new tab"Why is the month of September so important for Francophones?" And: "What do you do to preserve the French language and culture in Ontario?"

• August 31, 2020 - La Minute de la Commissaire - 4th edition: This link opens in a new tab"What is your vision for French language services?" And: "What are your roles?"

• August 24, 2020 - La Minute de la Commissaire - 3rd edition: This link opens in a new tab“What happens when you receive a complaint?” And also: “How long does it take to resolve a complaint?”

• August 17, 2020 - La Minute de la Commissaire - 2nd edition: This link opens in a new tab“What is the advantage of being in an Ombudsman’s Office?” And: “Do you have autonomy in your work?”

• August 10, 2020 - La Minute de la Commissaire - First edition: This link opens in a new tab“Why file a complaint?” And: “What does “last resort” mean?”

• June 30, 2020 - Press Release: Ombudsman reports on 2019-2020 - "A year like no other"

• May 1, 2020 - Press Release: Ombudsman marks one year of oversight of French language services and children and youth in care

• March 23, 2020 - Press release: On the 50th International Francophonie Day and current issues

• March 13, 2020 - Press release: Availability of French-Language services essential during coronavirus pandemic says French Language Commissioner

• January 23, 2020 - Press release: Joint funding agreement for new French-language university in Ontario is “great news for the francophone community” says Commissioner Burke

• January 15, 2020 - Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé and Commissioner Kelly Burke at Queen’s Park:

  • This link opens in a new tabWatch the press conference

  • This link opens in a new tabAccess the video transcript (accessible PDF - Bilingual)

  • Read more about the Commissioner

• January 13, 2020 - Press Release: Ombudsman appoints Kelly Burke as new French Language Services Commissioner

2019

• August 15, 2019 - Press Release: Ontario Ombudsman launches nationwide search for French Language Services Commissioner

• May 2, 2019 - Press Release: Ombudsman can now take complaints about children’s aid societies and French Language Services