Publication of DAOD 5039-2: Official Languages in the Workplace
January 20, 2025 - Defence Stories
DAOD 5039-2, Official Languages in the Workplace, is a new directive that outlines the rights and obligations relating to the use of official languages (OLs) within the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), as established by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Official Languages Act (OLA) and the applicable regulations, policies and directives.
The need for a new directive
“This directive comes at an opportune moment,” says Paul Forget, Acting Director, Official Languages, adding: “The Government of Canada has taken important steps towards modernizing the OLA to better protect and promote official languages and optimize existing measures. This new policy will help the Defence Team support this effort.”
DAOD 5039-2 will assist in identifying official language rights and obligations for DND employees and CAF members in the workplace, taking into account the location of their position and the associated language requirements. This will facilitate better alignment of bilingual resource allocation, provide clearer guidance for deployed operations, and strengthen the assessment of CAF second official language (SOL) capability requirements. This new directive also covers language requirements for services provided by or on behalf of DND and the CAF. In addition, it provides further clarification on the concept of language of work, the language designation of positions, the languages of supervision and evaluation, and the language rules for communications.
“This policy will provide an essential framework for official language rights and obligations within the Defence Team. It will improve service delivery, increase operational efficiency and position our organizations as leaders in language compliance and inclusion, through the implementation of a comprehensive, clear and modernized directive,” adds Forget.
Preparing for upcoming changes
In addition to this DAOD, other changes are on the horizon for the OLA. As of 20 June 2025, the minimum second-language proficiency requirements for bilingual positions involving the supervision of employees occupying positions in bilingual regions will change from “minimum BBB” to “minimum CBC.” This change in language profiles will only take place once these positions become vacant or are filled by new appointments. This new requirement will ensure that supervisors are able to perform complex tasks in both official languages, and it will help create and maintain a workplace where employees feel truly comfortable using the official language of their choice.
A directive for the entire Defence Team
This DAOD is a directive that applies to DND employees, and it is an order that applies to CAF officers and non-commissioned members. All members of the Defence Team, both civilian and military, must comply. If you need clarification concerning the policies or instructions set forth in the DAOD, contact your OL coordinator or your chain of command. Managers and military supervisors have the primary responsibility for and means of ensuring the compliance of their DND employees and CAF members with this DAOD.
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