Usage of both Official Languages – FAQ
Bilingual Requirements for Business Cards?
Business cards must be produced in both official languages. Two formats are possible: bilingual recto-verso, or bilingual recto. This issue is addressed in Appendix A of the Federal Identity Program, in Chapter 2, Communications, of the Treasury Board Manual.
Bilingual Format - French or English first?
In accordance with the Treasury Board Directive on Official Languages for Communications and Services, when both official languages are used, the issuing office determines the order of the official languages. Since the national headquarters of Employment and Social Development Canada is located in Quebec, French should be on the left and English on the right, or in an over and under format, French should appear first.
Should my recorded message be bilingual?
Incumbents of bilingual positions must have bilingual messages recorded on their answering machines and voice mailboxes. The messages must be of equal quality and length in both official languages. If the office is physically located in Quebec, French must be first, and English second. Elsewhere in Canada, English must be first, and French second. This directive also applies to bilingual telephone greetings.
Bilingual greetings are not required of incumbents of unilingual English or French positions. However, when incumbents of a unilingual position receive a call and are unable to serve the client in the language of their choice, they must forward the call to an employee who is able to provide that service. They should also have a list of incumbents of bilingual positions in their area with their appropriate telephone numbers.
For all incumbents of bilingual positions please ensure that the recorded messages on your answering machines or voice mailboxes are in both official languages. We are confident that with your support the Official Languages Policy will be respected.
Is your office moving? Does your office or service point provide services in both official languages?
If so, follow these tips so that the public can clearly see that your services are available in both official languages and that your office meets the requirements under the Official Languages Act.
Signage
Ensure signage such as advance signs, primary identification signs, directory boards, project signs, common-use and operational signs, properly reflect the bilingual nature of your office. The signs must respect the Federal Identity Program by giving French prominence in the province of Quebec and English prominence elsewhere in Canada.
Present the two official languages with equal prominence, i.e. in exactly the same colours and with identical style, size, and weight of type. Aside from respecting the visual equality of English and French, it is also essential to ensure equal linguistic quality in the usage of the two languages. An over and under format is permitted in cases where horizontal space is inadequate.