French-Language Rights in Ontario Courts and Government

Ontario has a large francophone community, and the law gives French speakers important rights.

In court

Under Ontario's Courts of Justice Act:

• English and French are the official languages of the courts.
• A party who speaks French has the right to require that a hearing be conducted as a bilingual proceeding, with a judge who speaks both languages.
• You can file documents in French in many courts.

Ask as early as possible, often when you file your first document.

Government services

Under the French Language Services Act, provincial ministries and some agencies must provide services in French in their head offices and in designated areas of the province.

Tribunals

Ontario tribunals offer hearings in French. Ask when you file your application.

Complaints

The French Language Services Commissioner, now part of the Ontario Ombudsman, handles complaints about French-language services.

Interpreters for other languages

For other languages, courts and tribunals can arrange interpreters in many cases.

Sources

• Courts of Justice Act
• French Language Services Act
• Ontario Ombudsman: French language services

Read next: The Ontario Ombudsman: What It Can Investigate

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 16 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Unsplash: Ornate courtroom with gilded decorations and chandeliers · closeup photo of book pages.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.