PROGRESS REPORT 1997-1998
and
ACTION PLAN 1998-1999

Implementation of Section 41 of the
Official Languages Act

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preamble

Part I: Progress Report 1997-1998

1. Summary of Achievements
2. Progress Report

Part II: Action Plan 1998-1999

1. Summary
2. Action Plan
   1. General Information
   2. Identification of Community Needs
   3. Action Plan Contents and Timetable
   4. Communication Plan
   5. Signature

Part III: Have Your Say

Appendix: List of acronyms used in this report

PREAMBLE

 
Section 41 of the Official Languages Act (OLA) affirms the responsibility of federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations to give effect to the Government of Canada's statutory commitment to:

1. enhancing the vitality of the French and English linguistic minority communities and supporting and assisting their development; and
2. fostering the full recognition and use of both English and French in Canadian society.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is committed to the implementation of Section 41 of the OLA. We have prepared an action plan, which we believe contributes to the development of the Official-Language Minority (OLM) communities and addresses the concerns they raised during consultations with our officials. This plan also engages CIC employees throughout Canada and abroad to recognise and promote Canada's linguistic duality.

Our plan also includes new initiatives, in addition to the actions already taken by CIC in 1997-1998.

PART I:

PROGRESS REPORT
1997-1998

 
1) Summary of Achievements

CIC actively pursued implementation of Section 41 of the OLA through measures taken at National Headquarters (NHQ) and the department's Canadian and international regions.

• CIC successfully implemented the activities outlined in the 1997-1998 action plan.
• Regions and NHQ Branches strengthened their working relationships with Official-Language Minority (OLM) institutions and spokespersons. Through the co-ordination offered by Canadian Heritage, communication links were opened and contacts have been established at the national level and in each province and territory.
• Ontario Region has been particularly successful in its relationships with that province's significant francophone communities. CIC took part in needs assessment studies and is consequently adjusting its programs to better serve these communities.
• CIC ensured that OLM communities and groups' interests were considered during negotiations to realign federal/provincial responsibilities for settlement services. For instance, the immigration agreement CIC concluded with Saskatchewan included a clause, which recognised Canada's bilingual character.
• Under the strategic framework One Voice, Many Ambassadors, Communications Branch participated in projects, which fostered the recognition and use of English and French in Canadian society. Episodes of the successful documentary series A Scattering of Seeds focussed on immigrants joining OLM communities in Nova Scotia and Quebec.
• OLM communities and groups were offered access to CIC offices in Canada and abroad for distribution of promotional and other materials.
• The Deputy Ministers promoted la Semaine nationale de la francophonie by signing an information letter sent to all CIC employees.

CIC also took major steps to strengthen its capacity for implementation of Section 41 of the OLA.

• The Assistant Deputy Minister - Corporate Services was designated as official languages champion. This designation reinforced earlier efforts to heighten awareness of CIC's responsibilities under the OLA and to integrate these considerations into the department's programs, policies and operations.
• Co-ordination of Section 41 implementation was transferred from the Human Resources Branch/Official Languages Section (OLS) to the Strategic Policy, Planning and Research Branch (SPPR), strengthening linkages to policy and decision making.
• Remaining OLS functions were integrated into a new unit, the Diversity, Official Languages and Awards Section. This new unit assumed responsibility for monitoring and auditing implementation of the OLA, including Section 41. The unit's Chief participated in the network of Section 41 co-ordinators.

 
2) Progress Report 1997-1998

National Headquarters

All branches participated in this exercise and reviewed their policies and programs as to their implications under Section 41 of the Official Languages Act. Those branches that, after careful scrutiny, identified an impact have submitted their reports and plans, which are as follows:

Strategic Policy, Planning and Research Branch (SPPR)

• Responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of Section 41 was transferred to this branch from the Human Resources Branch. This transfer advanced the integration of Section 41 into CIC's corporate culture by strengthening linkages between Section 41 implementation and the Department's corporate governance, federal-provincial relations, strategic policy and planning, and research and review functions;
• the Manager, Corporate Governance, became the CIC Co-ordinator for Section 41 of the OLA. In this capacity, she attended the National Consultation Meetings co-ordinated by Canadian Heritage. She also led CIC's network of national and regional Section 41 co-ordinators;
• on March 19, 1998, the Manager, Corporate Governance chaired a co-ordinators network meeting. Participants made recommendations concerning the orientation and training needs of Section 41 co-ordinators. These recommendations will be included in CIC's input to Canadian Heritage, which has been encouraged by the Commissioner of Official Languages to develop a training system;
• CIC's Business Plan reflected the department's commitment to Section 41 implementation. The Manager, Corporate Governance provided input to the Strategic Planning Division, which wrote the Business Plan;
• the Intergovernmental and Stakeholder Relations Division ensured that OLM communities' interests were considered during negotiations to realign federal/provincial responsibilities for settlement services. To date, Settlement Renewal Agreements have been signed with British Columbia and Manitoba. These two agreements include clauses on service delivery and consultations pertaining to official languages. Furthermore, the immigration agreement CIC concluded with Saskatchewan included a clause which recognised Canada's bilingual character; and
• in co-operation with the Communications Branch, the Manager, Corporate Governance drafted a letter promoting la Semaine nationale de la francophonie, which was held on March 16 to 22, 1998. This letter was signed by the Deputy Ministers and sent to all CIC employees.

Human Resources Branch

• The Official Languages Section (OLS) assisted and advised SPPR's Corporate Governance unit during the transfer of responsibility for Section 41;
• remaining OLS functions were integrated into a new unit, the Diversity, Official Languages and Awards Section;
• the new unit promoted the incorporation of OLA considerations into departmental initiatives; and
• the new unit finalised and distributed a Manager's Checklist, for use by local management, which describes key indicators of effective performance under each of the OL themes, including Section 41.

Public Affairs Branch (now Communications Branch)

This branch took the lead in making the strategic communications framework, One Voice, Many Ambassadors, a reality. The framework included several projects and activities related to Section 41 of the OLA. Most notably, this branch:

• participated in the production of A Scattering of Seeds, a 13-part, half-hour documentary series highlighting the experiences of various immigrant groups, including two OLM communities, the Irish in Quebec and the Acadians in Nova Scotia. The bilingual series was televised in English on History Television and in French on le Réseau de l'Information (RDI). Videotapes of the series have been distributed to schools. A bilingual, spin-off Web site was also developed;
• collaborated with Integration Branch to develop and conduct promotional and educational activities celebrating Citizenship and Heritage Week. Press kits and promotional materials were distributed in both official languages;
• worked with Integration Branch to produce Citzine, a bilingual Web site which promotes a dialogue among youth concerning the definition, values and responsibilities of citizenship; and
• created How the System Works, a speakers presentation kit, consisting of slides and speaker's notes, for representatives of CIC to use when speaking with the public about citizenship and immigration programs.

Selection Branch

• The co-ordinator for this Branch actively participated in this year's national meetings with OLM groups; she explained the Branch's mandate, policies and programs; and
• this Branch continues to ensure that both official languages carry equal weight when re-evaluating selection criteria for independent immigrants.

Integration Branch

• Regions continue to consult with service providers of linguistic communities and report their findings to NHQ; these activities have allowed NHQ to follow the situation and support regions in the application of the OLA;
• an important initiative in 1997-1998 was the realignment of responsibilities for the provision of settlement services to newcomers. CIC negotiated agreements with provincial governments; in each agreement with the Provinces, specific clauses concerning the provision of OLM services will be included;
• as a result of consultations with OLM associations, contribution agreements were signed with Service Provider Organisations (SPOs) in the National Capital area and in New Brunswick to deliver language training in French to newcomers in these areas;
• the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program official languages training policy and guidelines continue to provide guidance to regions so they are able to convey precise information on the program applicability, in keeping with the spirit of the OLA to better address the integration needs of newcomers;
• a French language version of the Canadian Language Benchmarks was developed to complement one in use in English for language training programs; and
• a revised Citation for Citizenship award in both official languages was developed and implemented.

International Region

• This region invited OLM organisations and institutions to submit materials for display in CIC missions abroad and distribution during promotional and recruitment events such as information seminars.

 
Regions

Citizenship and Immigration Canada delivered its services through five regional operations in 1997-1998:

• Atlantic Region
• Québec Region
• Ontario Region
• Prairies and Northwest Territories Region
• British Columbia and Yukon Region

We report their activities as follows:

Atlantic Region

• Used Citizenship ceremonies to enhance the vitality of the region's OLM communities and to foster the recognition and use of both of Canada's official languages. A francophone judge and staff led ceremonies in the region, with assistance from staff members from the OLM communities; and
• this region liaised with OLM organisations; discussions concentrated on economic and regional development funding issues. OLM groups did not identify concerns relating to CIC policies or services.

Québec Region

• Made a concerted effort to strengthen communication with OLM organisations. The region amended its list of regular non-governmental organisation (NGO) contacts to ensure that 15 anglophone community associations regularly received departmental information, including press releases. The region's Section 41 co-ordinator sent each organisation a letter listing regional directors and inviting further communication. He also attended an interdepartmental meeting in Montreal in which OLM community representatives discussed their concerns regarding the federal government;
• participated in an English-language Community Television program in Québec City explaining the evolution of the Citizenship Act; and
• invited OLM groups to participate in activities celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of Canadian citizenship. Several OLM organisations took part in events held in Montreal. In conjunction with Communications Branch, regional staff and the Irish community organised a ceremony in the Québec City area.

Ontario Region

• Prepared a French language manual and related training materials involving Service Provider Organisations that have LINC program; child minding guide was also completed;
• provided funding for the training of volunteers in Ottawa through the HOST program;
• participated in a needs analysis survey in Toronto (completed in June 1997), with Canadian Heritage; work was carried out by the Conseil des organismes francophones du Toronto Métropolitain (COFTM);
• provided information and determined 'newcomer' requirements in Hamilton (project started in January 1998); arranged for language training with the Collège des Grands Lacs;
• CIC is to be included in an inventory of funders for services to francophone newcomers requiring Settlement services;
• a French LINC SPO was featured in "LINC-UP" publication, for Ontario distribution;
• participated in information-sharing meetings with OLM groups in the region;
• local Toronto francophone ethnocultural groups attended a "Skills for Change" presentation which involved equal access to professions and trades;
• met and discussed with francophone associations and organisations current Settlement activity and heard concerns from each group; some groups reorganised as a result of input and guidance from funding sources, others developed proposals that are now under review and one other is working closely with Sudbury Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program (ISAP) SPO regarding how francophone services are provided; and
• consulted and worked with organisations such as: Board of Education of Etobicoke, Conseil économique et social d'Ottawa-Carleton, COFTM, Réseau d'intervenants, l'Association culturelle et professionnelle des africains de Sudbury, Collectif des femmes de Sudbury, Groupe Interculturel Moulin à fleur de Sudbury, le Centre Pan-Afrika de Toronto, le Regroupement des jeunes filles francophones de Toronto, diverse youth groups, la Ligue canadienne des femmes africaines de Toronto.

Prairies and Northwest Territories Region

• Manitoba
  • Participated in interdepartmental co-ordination meetings sponsored by Canadian Heritage; has provided information on immigration to Manitoba by official language capacity to OLM groups;
  • has made training available to members of the community in the French language; and
  • has offered to display the Société franco-manitobaine's promotional materials in all CIC Manitoba offices.
    
    
• Saskatchewan
  • In October 1997, CIC officers joined various francophone communities in a series of consultative meetings, the results of which are discussed in the 1998-1999 action plan; and
  • CIC and the provincial government signed an immigration agreement. This agreement included a clause recognising Canada's bilingual character. Regional CIC officials participated in the negotiations with the province.
    
    
• Alberta
  • OLM group planning sessions were held in late 1997; proposals and concerns were addressed with specific departments in June 1998.

British Columbia and Yukon Region

• Meetings were held with representatives of the francophone community, through La fédération des Franco-Colombiens and Éducacentre to discuss the status of CIC programs and policies and to identify and address community needs; and,
• CIC and provincial government officials were involved in negotiations to realign federal - provincial responsibilities for settlement services to newcomers, taking into account Canada's bilingual character.

PART II:

ACTION PLAN
1998-1999

 
1) Summary

• During 1998 - 1999, CIC will seek to continue to strengthen ties with OLM communities. The ADM - Corporate Services or his alternate will represent the department at major events. Other departmental representatives will liaise with national and regional OLM organisations. More emphasis will be placed on co-operation at special events such as l'Année de la francophonie canadienne and le Sommet de la francophonie.
  
  
• CIC will take additional steps to ensure the even closer integration of Section 41 considerations in its institutional culture. The ADM - Corporate Services will promote awareness among senior management and will provide broad direction on the implementation of the OLA, including Section 41.
  
  
• CIC's Citizenship Program will enhance the vitality of Canada's English and French linguistic minority communities by encouraging their participation in National Citizenship Week activities and in citizenship ceremonies in the various regions. Study materials sent to applicants preparing for their citizenship knowledge test will foster the recognition and use of both official languages in Canadian society.
  
  
• SPPR, Integration Branch and regional representatives will promote and protect the interests of OLM communities during negotiations to realign federal/provincial responsibilities for settlement services.
  
  
• The Communications Branch will initiate or renew projects which foster the recognition and use of both official languages and which highlight the role of OLM communities. This branch will also create speakers presentation kits for CIC Officials to use when speaking with the public about CIC programs.
  
  
• As part of CIC's effort to contribute to ensuring more effective OLA implementation throughout the federal government, CIC will provide Canadian Heritage with input relating to the development of training and performance monitoring systems for persons tasked with Section 41 implementation.
  
  
• OLM communities will continue to have access to CIC offices in Canada and abroad for distribution of promotional and other materials.
  
  
• OLM communities will have the opportunity to provide direct feedback on CIC measures through the appropriate section included in the1998-1999 Action Plan.

 
2) Action Plan 1998-1999

a) General Information

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Jean Edmonds Tower South, 18th Floor
365 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1L1

Telephone: (613) 957-4166
Fax: (613) 957-5955
Internet: http://www.cic.gc.ca

The objective of the Citizenship and Immigration program is to ensure that the movement of people into Canada and membership in Canadian society contribute to Canada's social and economic interests and the protection of the health and safety of Canadians, and that citizenship and immigration policies and programs are managed in a fashion consistent with Canada's domestic needs and capacities, and international commitments and responsibilities.

Programs or activities of particular relevance to the development of the Official-Language Minority communities are:

• Communications Branch
• Human Resources Branch
• Integration Branch - Citizenship and Settlement Programs
• International Region
• Selection Branch
• Strategic Policy, Planning & Research Branch

1998-1999

 
b) Identification of Community Needs

Direct consultation of representative groups with CIC and through consultation processes initiated by Canadian Heritage. CIC also holds formal and informal meetings with local, regional and national OLM community representatives.

The following are the issues and concerns raised at consultation meetings in the regions and at the national level:

• realignment of federal/provincial responsibilities for settlement services (i.e. inclusion of clauses, which take into account the OLA, and Section 41 and the involvement of OLM communities in the consultation process);
• collaboration with the francophone community to mark l'Année de la francophonie canadienne foreseen in 1999-2000; and
• promotion overseas of Official-Language Minorities in all of Canada's provinces and territories through CIC material and material produced by various OLM organisations.

 
c) Action Plan Contents and Timetable

National Headquarters (NHQ)

Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) - Corporate Services

The ADM will:

• as CIC champion for official languages, promote awareness among senior management of the department's OLA responsibilities, including those relating to Section 41; (ongoing)
• take the lead in any initiatives requiring approval by a departmental committee; (ongoing)
• represent CIC at major events / fora relating to the OLA or delegate an alternate, as appropriate; (ongoing) and
• provide broad direction on the implementation of Section 41 of the OLA. His office will review and approve this action plan, internal progress reports and relevant correspondence with the Commissioner of Official Languages, Canadian Heritage and other federal departments and agencies (ongoing).

Strategic Policy, Planning and Research Branch

This branch will:

• co-ordinate the planning of Section 41 implementation. The Manager, Corporate Governance, will chair CIC's network of Section 41 co-ordinators, meet with representatives of national francophone associations and liaise with Canadian Heritage, the Treasury Board and other federal departments and agencies; (ongoing).
• assign more resources to overseeing Section 41 implementation. Some Corporate Governance functions will be transferred to other sections of SPPR, allowing the unit to devote more attention to Section 41. An officer in the unit will be assigned to support the Manager's Section 41 activities. A consultant will be hired to help plan Section 41 implementation; (met)
• incorporate Section 41 considerations into CIC's Business Plan and Report on Plans and Priorities. Corporate Governance will provide input. The Strategic Planning Division will consider this input when preparing the reports; (met)
• ensure that the interests of OLM communities are considered during negotiations between CIC and provincial governments on Settlement Renewal and other immigration matters. The Intergovernmental and Stakeholder Relations division will participate directly in negotiations with provinces, including British Columbia and Manitoba; (met)
• continue to take Section 41 into account when developing or revising policies; (ongoing)
• contribute to the development of performance monitoring and training systems to better support Section 41 implementation. Corporate Governance will canvass Section 41 co-ordinators and compile and analyse their input. In consultation with the Research and Review Division, Corporate Governance will make recommendations to Human Resources Branch, which retains responsibility for training and for monitoring and auditing OLA implementation; (October 1998)
• improve the planning and accountability of Section 41 implementation. Corporate Governance will maintain close contact with Section 41 co-ordinators and encourage frequent reporting on activities with Section 41 implications. Each branch and region will be asked to propose activities and objectives for 1999 - 2000 before the start of the fiscal year. Corporate Governance will prepare departmental progress reports on Section 41 implementation for distribution to the ADM - Corporate Services and to the Human Resources Branch. The March 1999 progress report will include a draft action plan for 1999 - 2000; (December 1998)
• enhance employee access to information relating to Section 41 activities, including departmental documents and materials solicited from OLM organisations. Corporate Governance will draft a plan in consultation with the regional and branch Section 41 co-ordinators and representatives of the Information Management and Technologies Branch and the Metropolis Project Team; (March 1999) and
• develop a strategy for integrating a review of Section 41 considerations into the departmental committee system. Corporate Governance will co-ordinate this project in its role as CIC's Committee Secretariat. (March 1999)

Human Resources Branch

This branch will:

• remind senior managers of the requirement to include an assessment of OLA implementation in managers' appraisals; (March 1999)
• provide input to the Department of Canadian Heritage on developing effective training and performance monitoring systems for Section 41 co-ordinators, as recommended by the Commissioner of Official Languages in his Evaluation Report on the Second Generation of Action Plans for the Implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act. As an interim measure, this branch will develop with SPPR an orientation plan for Section 41 co-ordinators. (March 1999)
• monitor and audit departmental implementation of the Official Languages Act, including Section 41; (ongoing)
• take advantage of the newly-installed PeopleSoft technology to prepare reliable reports on the assignment of human resources to OLA implementation; (ongoing)
• systematically review recommendations and studies initiated by the Commissioner of Official Languages, with a view to finding ways to improve departmental implementation of the OLA; (ongoing) and
• communicate with national francophone organisations concerning l'Année de la francophonie canadienne, being prepared for 1999-2000 and le Sommet de la francophonie, to be held in Moncton in September 1999. (ongoing)

Selection Branch

This branch will:

• consider Section 41 in the development and review of policies, especially those relating to Foreign Students and Access to Professions and Trades; (ongoing) and
• ensure that the knowledge of French and English continue to be treated equally under federal selection criteria for skilled immigrants. This equal treatment facilitates the selection of skilled immigrants destined to francophone OLM communities. (ongoing)

Integration Branch

This branch will, on an ongoing basis:

• consider Section 41 during the development of policies, guidelines, and regulations relating to an amended Citizenship Act;
• continue to educate its clients about Canada's Official Languages Act requirements through the study material provided to all adult applicants for citizenship in preparation for their citizenship knowledge test;
• develop National Citizenship Week (NCW) and other promotional materials in both official languages. OLM community groups will be encouraged to distribute these materials and participate in NCW activities;
• through the Regional representatives, consult community associations to determine the linguistic needs of its clients. When appropriate, the Settlement Directorate will adjust programs and services to better fulfil the identified needs;
• promote the interests of OLM communities during negotiations with provinces on the realignment of the administration of settlement services. The Settlement Directorate will incorporate specific clauses concerning the provision of official language services; and
• offer settlement services to communities integrating newcomers. These services will be provided in English and/or French.

Communications (formerly Public Affairs) Branch

Many of the projects being pursued by Communications Branch under the Strategic Framework One Voice, Many Ambassadors will contribute to the implementation of Section 41 of the OLA. Most notably, this branch will, on an ongoing basis:

• promote through the outreach component of the Client Services Strategy CIC's commitment to serve clients in both official languages;
• participate in the production of a second season of the television series A Scattering of Seeds. This 13-part, half-hour documentary series is a celebration of Canada's diversity. The series will once again be broadcast on History Television and le Réseau de l'Information. In particular, the proposed episode on English war brides in Quebec will highlight an OLM community;
• ensure that all publications, fact sheets, brochures, posters, news releases, press kits, etc., are available in both official languages;
• serve the media, including community and ethnic media, in both official languages;
• maintain the CIC Web site in both official languages. This Web site will be redesigned to make information easier to obtain and attract Internet users;
• develop in conjunction with Integration Branch, a promotional program for Citizenship and Heritage Week, which will include educational materials and activities in both official languages;
• create speakers presentation kits, consisting of slides and speaker's notes, for CIC ambassadors to use when speaking with the public about citizenship and immigration programs. The presentations will be produced in both official languages. Presentations under development include: Overview, Citizenship, Enforcement and Historical; and
• producing a bilingual newsletter to inform stakeholders and immigrant-assisting organisations about issues relating to citizenship and immigration programs and policies.

Metropolis Project Team

This team will:

• provide SPPR/Corporate Governance with a list of Metropolis Project research papers, highlighting those of potential relevance to the vitality of OLM communities (met); and
• foster the recognition and use of English and French in Canadian society by providing simultaneous interpretation at major events, translating abstracts produced by the project's Centres of Excellence and promoting bilingualism at Metropolis workshops. (ongoing)

International Region

This region will:

• invite OLM organisations to submit materials to International Region at National Headquarters (NHQ). These materials will be made available to officers at NHQ and abroad. Missions abroad will distribute these materials during promotional and recruitment events such as information seminars. If appropriate, some materials may be included on CIC's Web site; (ongoing) and
• solicit suggestions from minority language communities and associations regarding means of disseminating information about their communities and the services they provide to new immigrants; (ongoing)

 
Regions

Atlantic Region

This region will:

• initiate communications with the Acadian communities in preparation for le Sommet de la francophonie to be held in Moncton in September 1999; (met)
• increase its involvement with the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FANE) through Citizenship projects in Acadian communities and through participation in the Nova Scotia Federal Council initiatives; (ongoing)
• endeavour to increase contact with the New Brunswick Acadian community through the New Brunswick Federal Council and through CIC's presence in francophone communities in Moncton, Fredericton, Edmunston and Bathurst; (ongoing) and
• highlight the region's francophone heritage through the use of a francophone judge and staff to lead citizenship ceremonies. (ongoing)

Quebec Region

This region will:

• ensure that each office includes in its management contract for next year an objective relating to the implementation of Section 41 of the OLA, for the attention of each office's director; (ongoing)
• engage in a constructive exchange with the OLM community through the Regional Management Committee; a half-day workshop with representatives is planned; (ongoing) and
• continue co-operation with partners and NGOs in the area of citizenship. (ongoing)

Ontario Region

This region will:

• solicit feedback on needs and Service Delivery Model from francophone ethnocultural groups across the Ontario Region; (met)
• assist in the development of a bilingual Settlement web site in Ontario; (December 1998)
• complete follow-up on the results of the francophone needs assessment study conducted in Toronto in June 1997 in consultation with le Conseil des organismes francophones du Toronto Métropolitain (COFTM), Alpha-Toronto and le Centre Medico-social communitaire de Toronto (CMSC); (March 1999)
• conclude the Francophone Newcomer Services Study in the Hamilton-Niagara Region in consultation with local and regional OLM groups; changes will be made to the Service Delivery Model and implemented as deemed appropriate; (March 1999)
• follow-up on partnership with SPOs regarding the provision of language training with Collège des Grands Lacs; (March 1999)
• include a francophone component to the Job Search Workshop initiative; this workshop will be delivered in French in Ontario through contracts with the appropriate OLM organisation to provide the service; (ongoing) and
• participate in a Funders Committee for Francophone services in Toronto, with HRDC, Canadian Heritage and Status of Women Canada. (ongoing)

Prairies and Northwest Territories Region

This region will:

• Manitoba
  • inform the Franco-Manitoban community, through the Société Franco-Manitobaine (SFM), of new programs and/or changes to existing programs and will communicate any other relevant and important information; (ongoing)
  • inform the Franco-Manitoban community of developments in the Settlement Renewal process; (ongoing)
  • be a partner in developing a tri-partite action plan to assist the SFM in attracting more French speaking immigrants to Manitoba; parties to this agreement are CIC, Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Citizenship and the SFM; (ongoing)
  • display informational brochures and packages in all CIC Manitoba offices; (ongoing) and
  • work with the francophone community to hold special Citizenship Courts in the francophone community (e.g. francophone schools, use of francophone choirs) honouring Francophone commemorative days, for example, la Semaine nationale de la francophonie. (ongoing)
    
    
• Saskatchewan
  • solicit advice from francophone community organisations on a recruitment strategy for vacant bilingual positions; (Fall 1998)
  • maintain the on-going dialogue with the francophone community to determine and address their needs; (ongoing)
  • respond to requests from the Association culturelle franco-canadienne de la Saskatchewan for information regarding general immigration policies/procedures for application in increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants to the area; (ongoing)
  • provide information sessions in person to francophone communities or groups as requested; (ongoing)
    display informational brochures produced by individual communities in Regina and Saskatoon CIC offices; (ongoing)
  • work with communities to develop one brochure/informational package on behalf of all Saskatchewan communities for display in offices abroad; (ongoing) and
  • continue discussions with le Conseil de la Coopération de la Saskatchewan regarding the admission of French speaking students from other countries to attend Collège Mathieu in Gravelbourg. (ongoing)
    
    
• Alberta
  • continue discussions with OLM communities to determine needs and outline activities and proposals; (ongoing)
  • respond to concerns by OLM communities in Calgary and Edmonton about the lack of French-language settlement services by meeting with OLM community representatives and furnishing French-language, CIC-produced settlement materials; and
  • explore the possibility of funding the translation into French of the provincial publication, "Welcome to Alberta."

Northwest Territories

• arrange for promotional kiosks to be set up in French language schools during National Citizenship Week; (February 1999)
• provide Departmental videos and other information to the francophone community to further the understanding of CIC programs; and
• propose holding a special citizenship ceremony with accent on the French community.

British Columbia and Yukon Region

This region will:

• conclude a Settlement agreement with the Province, specific clauses will be included, concerning the provision of minority official language services; (met)
• hold formal and informal meetings with representatives of the francophone community to discuss the status of CIC programs and policies; groups include, la Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique, Educacentre, Status of Women (projet Réseau Femmes) and l'Association franco-yukonnaise; (ongoing) and
• distribute various materials from the different francophone associations at the Port of Entry operations. (ongoing)

• annual progress report;
• feedback sought from OLM groups; and
• evaluation criteria during audits and Official Languages Program evaluations.

Activities are financed as part of CIC operating budget.

 
d) Communication Plan

• The Regional Co-ordinators for Section 41 will inform the Official-Language Minority associations of the availability of the action plan and will distribute this plan as requested. The full plan will be available through the Intranet and publicly through the Internet.
• SPPR Branch will distribute copies of CIC's plan to the heads of organisations, central agencies, the Standing Joint Committee on Official Languages, the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, the Department's Section 41 co-ordinators and other interested or concerned parties as identified by Canadian Heritage.

 
e) Signature

 
 
Georges Tsaï
Assistant Deputy Minister
Corporate Services

 
 
Danielle Racette
Manager, Corporate Governance
Strategic Policy, Planning and Research Branch

PART III:

HAVE YOUR SAY

 
CIC's Action Plan describes our efforts to support the vitality and growth of Official -Language Minority (OLM) communities and to foster the recognition and use of both English and French in Canadian society. This plan is also intended as a vehicle for communicating with these communities and with others interested in the implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act.

Please take a few minutes to complete this questionnaire. We welcome your comments and will consider them when developing future Action Plans.

• Do you believe that immigration is important to the vitality and development of OLM communities? If so, why?
  
  
  

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• What should CIC do to support the vitality and development of OLM communities?
  
  
  

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• What should CIC do to foster the recognition and use of both English and French in Canadian society?
  
  
  

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• This report describes a variety of completed, ongoing and proposed measures. Which proposed measures do you believe are most relevant or potentially effective? Why?
  
  
  

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• How should CIC ensure that the interests of OLM communities are integrated into our policies and programs?
  
  
  

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• CIC's clients include prospective visitors, immigrants and citizens in Canada and abroad. What should CIC do to promote awareness among its clients of OLM communities and the opportunities they offer?
  
  
  

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• Other suggestions or comments:
  
  
  

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Please return your comments to :

Danielle Racette
Manager
Corporate Governance
Strategic Policy, Planning and Research Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Jean Edmonds Tower South, 18th Floor
365 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1L1

Telephone: (613) 957-4166
Fax: (613) 957-5955
e-mail: Danielle.Racette@8752BSP.cina.CIC.x400.gc.ca

APPENDIX:
Acronyms used in this report

 
CIC: CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION CANADA

CMSC: CENTRE MEDICO-SOCIAL COMMUNAUTAIRE DE TORONTO

COFTM: CONSEIL DES ORGANISMES FRANCOPHONES DU TORONTO MÉTROPOLITAIN

FANE: FÉDÉRATION ACADIENNE DE LA NOUVELLE-ÉCOSSE

HRDC: HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT CANADA

ISAP: IMMIGRANT SETTLEMENT AND ADAPTATION PROGRAM

LINC: LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION FOR NEWCOMERS TO CANADA

NCW: NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP WEEK

NGO: NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

NHQ: NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

OLA: OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ACT

OLM: OFFICIAL- LANGUAGE MINORITY

SFM: SOCIÉTÉ FRANCO-MANITOBAINE

SPO: SERVICE PROVIDER ORGANIZATION

SPPR: STRATEGIC POLICY, PLANNING AND RESEARCH

January 1999