Recourse for Official languages
Civilian recourse and complaint mechanisms
You may face challenges involving official languages (OL) throughout your career at the Department of National Defence (DND). Understanding the informal and formal resolution approaches and considering your available recourse options may help you address and resolve your OL issues effectively.
Every situation is unique. Contact our office if exceptional reasons, like time sensitivity, health, security, or financial concerns for you or your family, prevent you from addressing your concerns through regular channels. Where these compelling reasons exist, our office can ensure the appropriate parties are aware of your circumstances and making an informed decision.
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Resolving your OL concern informally at the lowest level
Each Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Base, Wing, support group, and DND Level 1 (L1) organization has an assigned Coordinator of Official Languages (COL). This COL advises leadership and managers on their official languages roles and responsibilities according to the Official Languages Act (OLA).
You may work directly with your local COL to resolve most OL issues informally at the lowest level. COLs provide information on the filing of official languages complaint. They may also provide information about:
- OL in the workplace;
- official communications and services involving the public;
- OL in professional development and second language instruction; and the
- availability of personalized services in both official languages.
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Filing a Complaint with the Director Official Languages (DOL)
If you believe that your OL rights have been infringed, you may file an official languages complaint with the Director Official Languages (DOL). The DOL accepts anonymous complaints.
You may send a formal complaint by e-mail to DOL.complaints-DLO.plaintes@forces.gc.ca.
Be sure to provide the following information when filing your complaint:
- your name, telephone number, and return address (unless filing anonymously);
- a short summary of the incident or situation, including date, time, location and supporting documents, if applicable; and
- any other details that may help with the investigation.
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Resources
- How to file a complaint (available only on the Defence Wide Area Network (DWAN)
- General inquiries DOL-COMMS-DLO@forces.gc.ca.
- Complaint related inquiries complaints-DLO.plaintes@forces.gc.ca
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Filing a complaint with the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages (OCOL)
The Commissioner of Official Languages is an agent of Parliament who ensures that federal institutions follow the OLA, and intervenes if they don’t carry out their OL duties. Consult the OCOL’s web site to learn more about your language rights.
If the OCOL notifies you of a decision to refuse or discontinue your complaint, you may apply for a court remedy in federal court under Section 77 of the Official Languages Act. For more information, contact the Federal Court Registry Office.
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Why DND employees cannot submit a grievance to address an official language issue
The OLA provides DND civilian employees with individual and group complaint options under OLA Part IX Commissioner of Official Languages. As a result, you cannot use the grievance process to address an OL issue. Learn more by consulting s. 208(2) and s. 215(4) of the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act (FPSLRA).
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