Language rights and obligations

Preamble

Since its creation in 1848, the University has striven to provide education in English and French to residents of Ottawa and beyond, in the harmonious cohabitation of the two linguistic communities.

Section 4(c) of the University of Ottawa Act, 1965 entrusts it with the mission “to further bilingualism and biculturalism and to preserve and develop Francophone culture in Ontario.”

Proudly Francophone and dedicated to bringing the two official language communities closer since its inception, the University of Ottawa is heir to a long tradition of coexisting multiple identities. The University is known for the unique role it plays in the vitality of French-speaking communities in Canada and continues to expand its influence beyond our borders.

The University of Ottawa's vision of Francophonie and bilingualism is supported by the legislative and regulatory framework presented below.

Regulation on Bilingualism

In 1974, the University of Ottawa adopted a Regulation on Bilingualism which defines its bilingual character and its operation in its academic programs and administrative services.

In 2022, the Regulation on Bilingualism was updated and unanimously approved by the Senate and the Board of Governors, reaffirming our support for both official languages and the vitality of the Francophonie. Several areas were improved, including communications, human resources, language of work, agreements with third parties, language training and the importance of research and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. The principle of substantive equality between the two official languages was established to guide the implementation of positive measures.

Academic Regulation A-1 - Bilingualism

The Academic Regulation on Bilingualism specifies the rights and obligations of faculty members and students in their educational programs.

The Academic Regulation A-1, updated in 2023, governs issues relating to the language of instruction of the course and its learning material. It stipulates that except in programs and courses for which language is a requirement, all students have the right to produce their written work and to answer examination questions in the official language of their choice, regardless of the course’s language of instruction.

French Language Services Act

True to its mandate to promote the French language and Francophone culture, the University of Ottawa obtained in 2016 a designation under the French Language Services Act of Ontario. This designation guarantees the continuation of the Francophone character of our university for generations to come. It protects the provision of academic programs and services in French by the University of Ottawa.

Its students are guaranteed the right to complete their entire program in French if they choose to do so. In other words, the designation means that all compulsory courses in a program must be offered in French and there must be sufficient optional courses available in French to complete the program within the required timeframe.

Active offer of services

As of April 1, 2023, the Government of Ontario's Regulation on the Active Offer of Services in French requires that student services at the University of Ottawa comply with prescribed measures related to greetings, telephone systems, voice messages, publications and communications. The active offer ensures that services are available in both official languages, without the client needing to request them. On our campus, this commitment gives precedence to French. These new provincial requirements also extend to third parties providing student services on behalf of the University.

Complaints for infringement of linguistic rights

In support of the linguistic rights of the university community, the Office of the Vice-President, International and Francophonie has been mandated with ensuring the University of Ottawa's compliance with its linguistic obligations. These obligations encompass administrative services, academic programs and the workplace.

The complaint mechanism is designed to be straightforward and confidential, allowing members of the university community to report concerns or seek assistance with ease.