The Second Official Language Training Framework
On June 17, 2024, the President of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat announced the launch of the first-ever second official language training framework to increase the bilingual capacity of the public service. This is one of the official languages reform initiatives announced in 2021 in English and French: Towards a substantive equality of official languages in Canada.
Bilingualism remains a priority for the Government of Canada, as both official languages contribute to the values of diversity and inclusion that characterize Canadian society. This is why a framework has been developed to support second official language training for all federal public servants.
The framework aims to provide second language learning options that are effective, flexible, accessible and learner-centered, and considers the needs of equity-seeking groups.
The framework includes the following three elements.
- The Guidelines on second official language training support federal institutions in providing equitable access to inclusive and standardized approaches to language training. They also provide advice on how to ensure the success of language training, notably through shared responsibility between the learner and their manager.
- The Handbook on second official language training includes best practices and recommendations to help institutions and managers implement the guidelines.
- The Playbook for second official language training contains various learning paths, tools and resources tailored to the needs of learners in a variety of organizational contexts. It will help them acquire and maintain their second official language skills. A variety of self-directed online tools are available free or at minimal cost and are suitable for anyone looking to begin their second official language learning journey, maintain their proficiency level, prepare for second language evaluations and improve their skills.
Hopefully, this framework will help and inspire you to maintain and promote a culture of bilingualism in your institution.
