Expanded Francophone services to be offered across SDG Counties

SDG Counties has been designated for expanded provincial French services after about 18% of residents listed French as their first language, and full implementation under the French Language Services Act is scheduled for Jan. 1, 2029.

SDG Counties has been named a designated area for expanded provincial French-language services after census data showed about 18 per cent of residents list French as their first language. Glengarry and Stormont counties and North Dundas are designated as of January 1, and all of SDG will be officially designated on Jan. 1, 2029. The French Language Services Act requires provincial ministries to provide bilingual services, including driver's licences, birth and marriage certificates, health cards and access to social and court services. Municipalities in SDG have not been mandated to change their own service rules, though several already offer bilingual services. Key details: - About 18% of SDG residents list French as their first language, and over 35% of Alexandria residents identified French as their first language in the most recent census. - Glengarry, Stormont and North Dundas are designated as of Jan. 1; the rest of SDG will be officially designated on Jan. 1, 2029. - Under the Act, provincial agencies will be obliged to offer services in both official languages. - Municipal governments are not currently required to offer services in French, but North Glengarry, North Stormont, Cornwall, South Glengarry and South Stormont already make bilingual services available. - Local groups such as the Glengarry Inter Agency Group say expanded services are expected to increase demand for bilingual employees and for language training and skills development. Summary: The designation means provincial ministries will be required to provide bilingual services and is reported to increase local demand for bilingual staff and training, with potential effects on employment and local businesses. Municipal choices about offering French services remain a local matter and full provincial implementation is set for Jan. 1, 2029.