OTTAWA — Minister of National Defence David McGuinty has ordered a formal review of a controversial 2025 directive that altered official language requirements across Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) workplaces. The decision follows widespread backlash from service members, language advocates, and opposition parties who voiced concerns that the policy undermines the status of the French language in the military.
Background of the Policy Shift
In January 2025, the Department of National Defence (DND) and the CAF updated their internal language rules under directive DAOD 5039-2. Under the previous policy, military units were individual designated as English, French, or bilingual. The 2025 framework shifted this criteria, tying workplace language requirements directly to the geographic region’s official language designation under the Official Languages Act.
As a result, mandatory bilingualism for internal workplace activities—such as administrative documents, internal communications, and meetings—was restricted primarily to designated bilingual regions, including New Brunswick, the National Capital Region, and parts of northern Ontario. In predominantly English-speaking regions, workplaces were no longer obligated to conduct internal operations in both languages.
Opposition and Francophone Concerns
Criticism intensified following a late-July DND publication detailing the rationale behind the update. Critics and opposition figures warned that the move marginalizes Francophone military personnel serving outside designated bilingual zones, potentially creating systemic barriers to career advancement and leadership roles. Opponents demanded an immediate rollback of the policy, arguing that it weakens protections for French within a major federal institution.
Defence Minister’s Response
Addressing the growing controversy, Minister McGuinty emphasized the federal government’s obligation to safeguard and promote French across all military branches.
“I take these concerns seriously,” McGuinty stated, clarifying that the policy review will evaluate whether the current language-of-work framework aligns with operational realities while fully protecting the linguistic rights of the Defence Team. He reiterated that the directive does not alter the CAF’s mandate to provide personal services, public communications, and instruction in both English and French.
