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Language of Work – It’s Your Right! It’s a Question of Respect!
By Jacynthe de Saint-Hilaire
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Dialogue and mutual respect are essential to the establishment of a workplace where employees feel at ease and are proud to communicate in the official language of their choice.
Part V of the Official Languages Act sets out the circumstances in which employees in certain regions have the right to use English or French when working within federal institutions, for instance when participating in meetings, receiving instructions or writing internal documents. It specifies the obligation to create work environments that allow you to use the official language of your choice when you are not serving the public.
Electronic communications in NPP
Electronic communications issued by CFPSA HQ, and NPP offices or facilities designated bilingual must be available simultaneously in both official languages. Electronic communications may be issued using one official language if they are intended exclusively for an employee, or group of employees who share the same official language of work preference.
A Self-Evaluation Checklist for Employees: provided by the Public Service Human Resources Management Agency (PSHRMAC) /Official Languages Publications & Guides.
As an employee working in a region designated as bilingual, do I use my first official language?
Do I ask for documentation pertaining to meetings in my first official language?
Do I choose to be supervised in my first official language, including matters having to do with my PRAR?
Do I read the documentation I receive in my first official language?
Do I prepare, in the context of my duties, all or some documents in my first official language?
Do I use my first official language in my oral communications with my superiors and colleagues?
Do I use my first official language in my written communications with my superiors and colleagues (e.g., e-mails)?
Do I take part in training and professional development activities in my first official language?
Do I use electronic work tools (such as software and keyboards) in my first official language?
Do I use work instruments that are regularly and widely used (such as reference tools, directives and policies) in my first official language?