There'd be no problem with that if it were an informed and fact-based decision. If someone makes a certain choice for informed reasons, I see no problem with that.
You said “at the first opportunity”. Part XVII talks only about the trial and the preliminary hearing. We've asked this question a lot, but I'd like to hear what you, the Commissioner of Official Languages, has to say about it. Should part XVII extend to the first appearance as well, because that is often the time when pleas are made, evidence is revealed and the accused's release is discussed, among other things? Should part XVII go further?