SARNIA — Ontario is expanding French-language services available to the francophone community in the City of Sarnia. As of November 1, 2024, Ontario government offices located in Sarnia will offer French-language services in accordance with the French Language Services Act.
Sarnia’s designation under the Act is a result of strong local community support and follows a request from the Regroupement des organismes francophones de Sarnia-Lambton and the Centre culturel Joliet, two local francophone organizations, and was supported by Member of Parliament Marilyn Gladu, Member of Provincial Parliament Bob Bailey, and Mayor Mike Bradley.
“The City of Sarnia’s designation is another tangible example of our government’s commitment to improving French-language services across the province,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs. “This designation responds to the needs of Ontario’s growing and changing francophone community and the importance of having more available services in French. This designation builds on our French Language Services Strategy, including the modernisation of the Act.”
When an area becomes designated under the Act, the province has an obligation to provide French-language services in accordance with the requirements of the French Language Services Act, whether they are provided directly by a government agency or by a third party on its behalf.
The Ontario Government continues to improve access to quality services in French to Ontario’s growing francophone community. In December 2021, the Legislature passed amendments to modernize the French Language Services Act and ensure that French-language services are available according to the principle of active offer.