Jeanne Barr had been acting postmaster for eight months but has worked at the post office for years. (Simon Gardner/CBC)

Residents of a mostly English-speaking Ontario community are petitioning Canada Post after their postmaster lost her job because she can't speak French.

Jeanne Barr, who has been acting postmaster in Pakenham, Ont., for eight months, recently received a phone call telling her she can't continue in the job because she speaks only English.

"It's quite shocking," said Barr, who grew up in Pakenham and has worked at the post office for years. She had applied repeatedly and unsuccessfully for the permanent postmaster position.

Local residents are collecting signatures on a petition asking Canada Post to let Barr keep her job in the community about 60 kilometres west of Ottawa.

"She knows everyone, she's very capable," said Cathy Galbraith, one of Barr's many supporters.

Jon Hamilton, a spokesman for Canada Post, said the Crown corporation had no choice but to hire someone bilingual to replace Barr because it must adhere to the federal Official Languages Act.

"We know this has probably caused some upset," he said. "But all we're trying to do is provide service in both official languages as we're required to do."

According to the 2006 census, only 25 residents out of 11,500 in Mississipi Mills, the municipality that includes Pakenham, speak French and no English. Residents said they have nothing against francophones but would like Canada Post to show some flexibility enforcing bilingualism rules.

"There is no need for it here in the village," Margie Argue said. "And we have a very competent employee at the post office now."

According to Canada Post, another position will be found for Barr. Her bilingual replacement is expected to arrive in January.