Official Languages

General

• The Official Languages Act (OLA) sets out the obligations of Canadian federal organizations with respect to official languages.
• As both a federal administrative tribunal and a federal organization, the IRB is committed to meeting its obligations under Parts III (Administration of justice), IV (Communications with and services to the public), V (Language of work) and VII (Advancement of English and French) of the OLA.

Language in Hearing Rooms

• The person concerned appearing before the IRB has the right to choose the official language of the proceeding.
• The person concerned may request a change in the language of proceedings. Counsel appearing on behalf of the person concerned may also address the Board in his/her official language of choice.
• All persons in the hearing room are free to speak the official language of their choice.
• Persons concerned may request the use of an interpreter provided by the IRB.