Charter of the French Language: The Tribunal’s use of a language other than French in its written and oral communications.

In accordance with the Charter of the French Language, since June 1, 2023, agencies of the civil administration must set an example by using exclusively the French language, particularly in their written and oral communications.

The Charter provides for certain situations in which agencies of the civil administration may use “another language”. In this context, the Tribunal will use the English language if all the following conditions are met: 

 You are requesting to receive a service in English and do not understand French.”;

ET

  you received a communication written in English from the Tribunal before May 13, 2021;

OU

 You are a member of a First Nation or an Inuit.

In this regard, the Tribunal will need to verify your eligibility according to these conditions.

Please note that the Tribunal will communicate exclusively in French with all members of the Barreau and with persons acting on behalf of a business (legal entity), unless the latter is located on the territory of a First Nation or an Inuit nation.

The provisions of the Charter do not, however, affect the conduct of judicial activities (hearings, conciliation sessions, management conferences, etc.). Thus, regardless of your eligibility, you will be able to use both French and English during these activities (your witnesses can do the same). However, it is advisable to inform the Tribunal as soon as possible of your desire to be heard in English. Furthermore, the representative of the ministry, the agency, or the municipality whose decision you are contesting, as well as the witnesses and lawyers, may speak in French or English.

Finally, it remains possible to obtain, upon request, an English translation of the decisions rendered in your proceedings at no cost, regardless of your eligibility to receive a service in English.