Official Languages obligations

FedNor fosters business and economic development in communities of both official languages. FedNor also helps Northern Ontario realize the economic benefits of la francophonie and linguistic duality.

Recipients of public funding may be asked to fulfill official languages obligations, depending on the nature of the project and the targeted clientele.

When a project supports activities that may impact members of either official language community and when the targeted clientele justifies the use of both official languages, contribution agreements will outline how the recipient's activities should support the Government of Canada's obligation under the Official Languages Act.

The Official Languages Act was created to:

  • ensure respect for English and French as the official languages of Canada and ensure equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in federal institutions;
  • support the development of English and French linguistic minority communitiesFootnote 1; and
  • advance the equal status and use of English and French languages within Canadian society.

The official languages provisions vary from one project to another. Examples of such provisions include:

  • project can be carried out in the official language chosen by the recipient
  • main project signage is to be provided in both official languages
  • basic project communications are to be provided in both languages
  • enhanced project communications and services are to be provided in both languages
  • project activities are to be organized to address the particular needs of both official language communities.

Where it has been determined that official languages obligations apply to a particular project, incremental funding requirements will be considered when establishing appropriate project funding levels.

For further information on whether official languages obligations apply to your project, consult your FedNor Officer.