The Yukon Languages Act (1988) recognizes the right to communicate with, and to receive services in French from, any head or central office or point of service of the Government of Yukon where demand is significant or owing to the nature of the service. It also recognizes the right to use English, French, or a Yukon Indigenous language in the Legislative Assembly, the right to use English or French in the courts, and provides for the publication of acts and regulations in both official languages, with both versions having legal force.
Adopted in May 2021, the Policy and Guidelines on French Language Services and Communications clarify the scope of the Act. They promote a government-wide, consistent and regular approach to communication and the delivery of services in French.
The deputy ministers and Crown corporation chairs are responsible for communications and the delivery of services in French for their department or Crown corporation, in accordance with the Languages Act and the Policy.
The Government of Yukon established the French Language Services Office in 1989. This central agency became the French Languages Services Directorate in 2006. It became a stand-alone department in 2013. The Directorate supports the departments by providing them with:
- funding to cover the cost of communication and the delivery of services in French
- advice based on language planning principles to support the planning and delivery of French Language services
- tailor-made French-language evaluations and training
- centralized translation services
The French Language Services Directorate also manages the Yukon government’s French Language content on the Web and on social media, consults with Yukoners to develop government strategic frameworks on French Language services, and collaborates with the Francophone community and the Government of Canada to foster a thriving Yukon Francophonie.