News ReleaseApril 16, 2026
Proposed changes would require provincial Ombudsman to be bilingual
TORONTO — The Ontario government intends to introduce legislation that, if passed, would amend the Ombudsman Act to require the office holder to be proficient in French and English. This change would support the Ombudsman in their function of directly overseeing French language service rights for the province’s more than 650,000 Francophones.
“Requiring the Ombudsman to be bilingual is a practical and necessary step to support clear communication, informed decision-making and effective service for our Francophone communities,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs. “By codifying this requirement, we are ensuring the Ombudsman has the necessary language skills to provide credible leadership and effective oversight of French-language service rights, now and for years to come.”
While the Ombudsman already possesses the authority to oversee French language services, the government’s proposed amendments would better align the role’s qualifications with its existing responsibilities to support effective delivery of those services. As the last two Ombudsmen have been bilingual, the change would codify a long-standing practice.
The move builds on the government’s ongoing work to strengthen access to services for Ontario’s Francophone population, which is the largest Francophone population in North America outside Québec. In December, the government announced the
expansion of six designated areas across Ontario under the
French Language Services Act to improve access to public services.
Quick Facts- The Ombudsman oversees the delivery of French language services across the Ontario government under the French Language Services Act.
- If passed, the language requirements would come into force on the day the bill receives Royal Assent.
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