During your career with Canadian Forces Morale and Wellness Services (CFMWS) as a Staff of the non-public funds (SNPF) employee, you may face issues with official languages (OL) rights in the workplace.

This webpage explains how you can resolve OL issues at work using informal and formal approaches and identifying both internal and external recourse options. In addition, consult the CFMWS Official Languages web page for employees.

Resolving OL issues informally at the lowest level

CFMWS encourages you to try to resolve an OL issue by using internal resources first.

Consult the CFMWS Official Languages Team to learn more about CFMWS OL roles and responsibilities set out in NPF Policy (HRPOL Chapter 20 - Official Languages) and the Official Languages Act (OLA).

 Filing a formal OL complaint

1. Internal complaint resolution with CFMWS management

• Speak with the local manager responsible for the OL issue and request they address it.
• File a complaint with the CFMWS OL Team by sending an email to:

LanguesOfficielles.OfficialLanguages@cfmws.com, asking them to review your initial address of the issue with the local manager and to facilitate the resolution.

2. External complaint resolution with the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your complaint with CFMWS, you can escalate your complaint by contacting The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages (OCOL).

The OCOL is an agency of Parliament that ensures federal institutions follow the OLA, and intervenes when they don’t carry out their OL duties. Learn more about official language rights by visiting the OCOL website.

If the OCOL decides to refuse or discontinue your complaint, you may apply for a court remedy in Federal Court. The Federal Court Registry Office has more information on this process.