The Canada Public Service Agency is responsible for official languages policy in the public service. For designated bilingual positions, we have a choice. If we decide that a position will be staffed on a bilingual imperative basis, that means that the candidate must meet the language requirements for the position at the time of appointment. For non-imperative situations, under our Order, a person may be appointed to a position and achieve the language skills needed for the position within two years.
On February 12th, 2008. See this statement in context.