Bilingual Forms and French Proceedings in New Brunswick Small Claims Court
New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province, and the Small Claims Court operates in English and French. Parties have the statutory right to proceed in English, French, or both official languages.
Choosing Your Language on Form 2
When you file your Form 2 Response, Section 7(5) of the Regulation requires you to select your language of choice directly on the form. Your options are English, French, or both official languages. This is not a formality — the court uses your selection to record the language in which you wish to proceed.
Your language choice is recorded on Form 2 under Section 7(5) of the Regulation.
Where to Get French Forms
All prescribed Small Claims Court forms — Form 1 through Form 26A — are available in both English and French through the Department of Justice and Public Safety. PLEIS-NB (legalinfonb.ca) also hosts fillable versions of every form in both languages.
The forms are substantively identical in both languages. A Form 2 completed in French has the same legal effect as one completed in English — neither is a "translation" of the other; both are official originals under New Brunswick's bilingual legislative framework.
What Bilingual Proceedings Look Like
Parties may proceed in English, French, or both official languages. If you need specialized translation services, notify the court clerk upon receiving your Form 11 (Notice of Hearing) so arrangements can be made.
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Accommodation Requests
If you need translation services or disability accommodations for the hearing, notify the court clerk as soon as you receive your Form 11 (Notice of Hearing). The court can make arrangements, but they need advance notice — not a request the morning of the hearing.
Our New Brunswick small claims response guide covers the language selection process and other procedural details for filing your Form 2 Response.
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