The Manitoba Act of 1870 recognized the official status of French in the Legislative Assembly and before the courts. The French Language Services Policy, adopted in 1989 and revised in 1999 and 2017, governs the provision of governmental and para-governmental services in French in the province, particularly in designated regions where the French-speaking population is concentrated. The Bilingual Service Centres Act (BSC), promulgated in June 2012, aims to guarantee a permanent role for BSCs and establishes a legislative framework codifying the principles and practices already in effect for their operation. On June 30, 2016, the Manitoba government adopted the Francophone Community Enhancement and Support Act, which guarantees the administrative structures and existing tools to support the Francophone community. Its purpose is to establish the necessary framework to enhance the vitality of Manitoba’s Francophone community and support its development.

The French Language Services Regulation (46/98) of the Health System Governance and Accountability Act provides for the provision of French language services by four designated regional health authorities. The Bilingual and Francophone Facilities and Programs Designation Regulation (131/2013), enacted under the Health System Governance and Accountability Act, prescribes the designation of programs and institutions that offer services in French only or in both French and English. The French Language Services Regulation (199/2005), made under the Child and Family Services Authorities Act, requires four authorities to establish a French Language Services Plan and have it approved annually. Section 147.1 of the Municipal Act came into effect in November 2015 and aims to ensure the continuity of French Language services in bilingual municipalities. Part 9 of the City of Winnipeg Charter Act (1971, amended in 1992) governs the provision of services in French in the City of Winnipeg and in particular in St. Boniface, St. Vital and St. Norbert (Riel constituency). The Public Schools Act (1979, amended in 1993) reiterates the right to instruction in French and establishes school management for Francophones. The Centre culturel franco‑manitobain Act establishes its mandate to present, promote, foster and sponsor cultural and artistic activities in the French language for all Manitobans. The Université de Saint‑Boniface Act recognizes the vital role played by the only French Language post-secondary institution in the province in the linguistic, cultural, social and economic development and growth of Manitoba’s Francophone community.

The Francophone Affairs Secretariat (formerly the French Language Services Secretariat, created in 1981) reports to the minister responsible for Francophone affairs. The Secretariat, whose mandate applies to all public entities covered by the French Language Services Policy, is responsible for guiding, monitoring and coordinating the implementation of this policy.

The Secretariat is composed of three units: the Policy Unit, the Bilingual Service Centres team and Translation Services.