Bilingualism Bonus

The Bilingualism Bonus (BB) is an annual $800 payment for "eligible" employees, paid on a bi-weekly basis in addition to salary. An eligible employee is one who:

  • Occupies a bilingual position; and
  • Has Second Language Evaluation (SLE) results confirming that they meet the language requirements of their position

Bilingualism bonus entitlement is governed by the Bilingualism Bonus Directive, which is deemed to be part of collective agreements between parties to the National Joint Council. 

The provisions of the Directive also apply to persons not covered by collective agreements, as indicated in the Directive or in the employer's policy. Certain groups not eligible for the bonus include:

  • part-time workers working one third or less than the normal working hours for the same group and category
  • term employees hired for three months or less and,
  • Executive Group employees

Eligible full-time employees must work a minimum of ten (10) days in a month to receive the bonus, while the bonus is paid on a pro rata basis calculated based on the number of hours worked for eligible part-time employees.

Employee Responsibilities

Bilingualism bonus entitlement is confirmed in letters of offer for eligible employees and, once the applicable HR transaction has processed, will be paid from the effective date without any further action.

Should you obtain Second Language Evaluation (SLE) results after your initial start date and now meet eligibility requirements, you must provide your manager with a copy of your SLE results so that they can initiate a request on your behalf to start the bonus.

Manager/Section 34 Manager Responsibilities
  1. If your employee provides SLE results to you after their initial hire is completed, you will need to submit a request on behalf of the employee via the HRSC Portal to start their bonus:
    • Section: I am a Manager
    • Under "Actions without a specific form and General HR Enquiries", select General HR Enquiry Form
    • Category: Select "Official Languages"
    • Sub-category: Select "Bilingualism bonus"
    • Complete the requested information on the form
    • Attach the SLE results
    • Submit your request
  2. Once the Bilingual Bonus Eligibility or Cessation letter is prepared, you need to approve it and provide the employee with a signed copy.
  3. Upload the letter to the HRSC request, change the status to "signed document" and return for processing.

Note: The Compensation Directorate will complete the myEMS (PeopleSoft) data entry within five (5) business days and it should automatically integrate to Phoenix for payment.

Submit a Pay Escalation Request
  • Employee responsibility

    If you are experiencing a pay issue related to the bonus, you must refer to the Pay Escalation Process and, if deemed appropriate, submit an escalated pay issue request using the category Inaccurate Pay sub-category Missing / Inaccurate Bilingualism bonus.

  • Manager / Section 34 Manager responsibility

    If an employee is on leave or has been terminated and is experiencing a pay issue related to their bonus, you must refer to the Pay Escalation Process and, if deemed appropriate, submit an escalated pay issue request  on their behalf using the category Inaccurate Pay sub-category Missing / Inaccurate Bilingualism bonus.