Office of the Commissioner of the Official Languages

The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages is responsible for protecting language rights and promoting English and French in Canadian society. Reporting directly to Parliament, the Office of the Commissioner has a mandate to ensure that federal institutions comply with the Official Languages Act.  To perform this duty, the Office of the Commissioner carries out various activities, including investigations into complaints from the public.

If you believe a federal institution has not respected your rights under the Act, the Office of the Commissioner can help. The Official Languages Act applies to federal institutions such as offices, Crown corporations and federal departments, as well as agencies and businesses acting on their behalf. Certain companies, like Air Canada, still have language obligations even though they have been privatized.

The Act does not apply to municipalities, provincial government institutions or private companies.