ARCHIVED – IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 41 OF THE
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ACT
ACTION PLAN FOR 2004-2005 AND 2005-2006

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Table of Content

GENERAL INFORMATION

Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Canada attracts and welcomes people from all parts of the world, both to enrich our social, economic and cultural development as a nation and to protect people in need of our protection. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is committed to delivering the highest quality immigration, refugee protection and citizenship programs by being efficient and responsive to community needs, and a model of Public Service management. This vision is enabled by a commitment to effective working relationships with governments, communities and other partners.

Mission

CIC’s mission is to build a stronger Canada by

  • enabling the migration of temporary and permanent residents to meet the social, economic and cultural needs of communities across Canada;
  • contributing to the management of international migration, including refugee protection;
  • screening newcomers to help protect the health, safety and security of Canadians;
  • supporting the successful integration of newcomers; and
  • promoting Canadian citizenship.

Objectives of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act with regard to Official Language Minority Communities

The objectives of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) that are pertinent to official language minority communities (OLMCs) include the following:

  • to support and assist the development of official language minority communities in Canada; and
  • to support the commitment of the Government of Canada to enhance the vitality of Canada’s English and French linguistic minority communities.

Contact

For general information on CIC, we can be reached at

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

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This action plan on the implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act (OLA) sets out the measures that the Department plans to take over the next two years to maintain its commitment to support Canada’s linguistic duality.

Last year, significant progress was made in terms of developing strategies designed to support the development of Francophone minority communities (FMCs). On November 3, 2003, the CIC-Francophone Minority Communities Steering Committee released the Strategic Framework to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities. This strategic framework supports Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages and will serve as a reference for the development and implementation of national, provincial and territorial action plans.

The following objectives of the strategic framework will guide CIC’s actions in the coming years.

  • Increase the number of French-speaking immigrants to give more demographic weight to Francophone minority communities.
  • Improve the capacity of Francophone minority communities to receive Francophone newcomers and to strengthen their reception and settlement infrastructures.
  • Ensure the economic integration of French-speaking immigrants into Canadian society and into Francophone minority communities in particular.
  • Ensure the social and cultural integration of French-speaking immigrants into Canadian society and into Francophone minority communities.
  • Foster the regionalization of Francophone immigration outside Toronto and Vancouver.

Attaining these objectives calls for a coordinated, integrated and comprehensive approach from all the community and government partners. Representatives of Canadian Heritage, Foreign Affairs Canada, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Industry Canada, Health Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, FedNor, Western Economic Development, Privy Council Office, the governments of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Northwest Territories and New Brunswick, as well as the national coordinator for Intergovernmental Francophone Affairs currently sit on the Steering Committee. This initiative is also an excellent opportunity for government partners to concretely demonstrate a horizontal approach to supporting Francophone minority communities.

CIC will be asked to determine, in collaboration with its partners, the means that should be implemented to achieve the objectives and results set out in the strategic framework. The Department has already identified initiatives that will help to enhance the vitality of Francophone communities. These initiatives include the following.

  • Promotional activities abroad
    The promotion of FMCs abroad is essential to encourage potential immigrants to settle in those communities. Over the coming years, promotional tools and activities will be developed, such as brochures, news releases, media relations, targeted advertising and kiosks, and an information and promotion tour, among others.
  • Provincial nominees
    Upon negotiation or renewal of the provincial nominee agreements, CIC will discuss with the provinces and territories the inclusion of language clauses so that provinces and territories may take into account the economic needs of FMCs when choosing nominees. CIC will support the provinces and communities in their efforts to meet the objectives set out in the agreements by, for example, developing new promotional tools and translating them into French.
  • Activities to increase awareness in Francophone communities
    The first contacts with the host society and its institutions are critical to the integration process for immigrants. Awareness activities will be organized to recognize the contribution of immigration and to promote both the Host program and the Sponsorship of Refugees Program.
  • Pilot projects to increase the reception capacity of communities
    Two studies were conducted to assess the capacity of communities to receive newcomers and to understand Francophones’ perceptions of the contribution of immigration to their community. CIC will fund a series of pilot projects in the next few years to explore various program-delivery methods that will allow FMCs to increase their reception capacity.

FIRST OBJECTIVE
Develop official language minority communities

In collaboration with its government and community partners, CIC is working to develop two-year and five-year action plans based on the five objectives of the Strategic Framework to Foster Immigration to Francophone Communities in Canada. The two-year plan will be released in the fall of 2004 and the five-year plan, by the end of 2005.

Promotion and recruitment efforts will be made to raise awareness of FMCs. For example, the International Region will conduct another information and promotion program in three to five French-speaking African countries to increase awareness of and promote immigration to FMCs. CIC will continue to develop the site for FMCs within its own Web site. This site will provide information designed to promote FMCs and to facilitate the integration of immigrants into FMCs. One of CIC’s objectives is to include language clauses when renewing or negotiating new agreements with the provinces and territories. These clauses allow for consultation with community representatives on immigration issues.

The studies on the capacity of FMCs to receive newcomers show that the first contacts with the host society and its institutions are critical in the integration process for immigrants. CIC will implement strategies in partnership with community and government stakeholders to offer French-language reception and settlement services and make Francophone communities aware of the contribution of immigration.

To support immigrants in their efforts to become socially, economically and culturally integrated into Francophone communities, CIC will implement strategies in partnership with community and government stakeholders to make the Francophone institutional and community network more aware of the contribution that immigration and diversity can make to their organizations. The Integration Branch will organize activities to raise awareness of cultural diversity in FMCs and the importance of receiving newcomers, and activities to make employers more aware of the potential of immigration. The Branch will develop information tools for French-speaking immigrants on the realities of the Canadian labour market and on FMCs. It will create tools to better prepare FMCs to receive immigrants outside the major urban centres.

The Communications Branch will inform target audiences of departmental initiatives through the appropriate distribution channels. The aim is to give FMCs greater visibility, which in turn could have a positive impact on their development.

The Selection Branch will implement a number of measures to increase the number of Francophone students at post-secondary institutions located near FMCs. Pilot projects with universities and other educational institutions in FMCs will continue to be developed. In cooperation with the International Region, the Integration Branch will promote the skilled worker and business immigrant programs among Francophone immigrants. Pilot projects will also be implemented to facilitate the immigration of people who want to settle in FMCs.

The Refugees Branch will support efforts and activities in FMCs to promote the sponsorship of Francophone refugees.

The Metropolis Project will work closely with the new Centre of Excellence in the Atlantic Region. The possibility of a Canada-wide project to study language issues will be discussed.

The British Columbia and Yukon Region will support its regional partners in the drafting of action plans based on the strategic framework. The Region will participate in the consultations on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) between the province and the community. The Region will also ensure that PNP information is shared with FMCs and that FMCs are aware of the possibility of using this program to recruit skilled workers and business persons.

The Prairies and Northern Territories Region will support the development of community leadership and a structure to receive Francophone immigrants.

The Ontario Region plans to direct its immigration information and promotional activities toward Francophone communities. It will focus particularly on the economic integration process and labour market access.

The Atlantic Region will continue to encourage the development of FMCs in the Atlantic provinces. It will support New Brunswick in promoting the Provincial Nominee Program to attract Francophone immigrants. It will approach FMCs in Newfoundland/Labrador and Prince Edward Island to initiate discussions on promoting Francophone immigration in their communities. It will also continue the consultation process with Nova Scotia.

Principal Measures Expected Outputs
Department-wide
The CIC-Francophone Minority Communities Steering Committee will develop two-year and five-year action plans, based on the strategic framework.
  • The two-year action plan is made public in 2004.
  • The five-year action plan is made public in 2005.
  • FMCs and the different levels of government participate in the implementation of the action plans.
Strategic Policy and Partnerships Branch
Represent CIC at meetings (chaired by Canadian Heritage) of the coordinators for the implementation of Section 41 of the OLA and at all policy and planning discussions (led by PCO) related to national official languages concerns.
  • Harmonization of CIC policy with the goals and objectives of the OLA; ability to share best practices with OLA stakeholders.
Ensure senior management is briefed as necessary on both the concerns of FMCs and Government of Canada strategic policy directions related to OL.
  • Senior management delivers consistent messages with respect to official language policies and programs, and meets with FMCs representatives to discuss priorities, objectives, etc.
Improve coordination processes with regional and branch officers who are responsible for OLA Section 41.
  • Regional and branch officers are informed regularly of the developments concerning official languages.
Increase the celebrations for the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie.
  • In cooperation with officers responsible for official languages, organize activities to highlight this event, such as questionnaires, kiosks, etc.
Integration Branch
Organize awareness activities for FMCs on cultural diversity and the importance of receiving newcomers.
  • FMCs are more aware of the richness of cultural diversity and the importance of receiving newcomers.
Develop awareness activities for employers on the potential of immigration.
  • Employers are made more aware of the potential of immigration and are encouraged to hire immigrants to meet their labour requirements.
Create information tools to portray FMCs and the realities of the Canadian labour market.
  • French-speaking immigrants are informed of issues related to the Canadian labour market.
  • CIC employees and potential immigrants have access to information on FMCs and on the linguistic duality in Canada.
Promote settlement services among French-speaking immigrants.
  • French-speaking immigrants use support services offered in French.
Create tools to better prepare FMCs outside the major centres to receive immigrants.
  • FMCs outside the major centres are better equipped to receive immigrants.
Implement official language clauses in settlement program contribution agreements.
  • In target cities, a reception and settlement structure is established and adapted to the FMCs’s social and demographic reality and immigration level (Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Moncton, Hamilton, Windsor, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Sudbury).
  • FMCs are consulted on settlement service needs.
Continue to provide the necessary documents to local CIC offices so that they can perform citizenship ceremonies in both official languages.
  • The documents for citizenship ceremonies are available in both official languages and are used during the ceremonies.
Continue to develop the FMCs site within CIC’s own Web site.
  • Francophone clients and stakeholders have access to reliable and up-to-date information on all aspects of Canadian life.
Selection Branch
Increase the number of Francophone foreign students at post-secondary institutions located near FMCs.
  • The Provincial Nominee Program is promoted among French-speaking foreign students and countries.
  • Allow foreign students access to jobs and practicums off campus.
  • Pilot projects are developed with universities and educational institutions near FMCs.
Promote the skilled worker and business immigration programs among people who want to settle in FMCs.
  • Information and awareness sessions are held for business people in the target Francophone countries.
  • Pilot projects are implemented to facilitate the immigration of skilled workers and business people who want to settle in FMCs.
International Region
Conduct an information and promotion session in three to five French-speaking African countries to promote immigration to FMCs.
  • CIC and community representatives give presentations in African countries to provide information on FMCs.
Refugees Branch
Support the efforts and activities of FMCs to promote the private sponsorship of French-speaking refugees.
  • FMCs are more aware of the private sponsorship of refugees.
Develop joint pilot projects to sponsor French-speaking refugees in FMCs.
  • Private sponsorship projects are initiated in FMCs.
Communications Branch
Ensure that FMCs and various partners cooperate to develop communications strategies or products that affect those communities.
  • Improved horizontal communication among the parties involved when developing communications strategies or products.
Inform target audiences of departmental initiatives through the appropriate distribution channels, such as the media in FMCs.
  • Communications products are more effective and reach the target audience.
  • Greater visibility for FMCs, which could have a positive impact on their development.
Metropolis
The second bilingual Centre for Excellence is being established in Atlantic Canada. The Centre will perform research in various areas, including culture, language and identity.
  • A Metropolis representative is assigned to act as a liaison between the Atlantic Centre and the Metropolis Project and to participate actively in management board meetings.
Metropolis will make the products of the new centre’s work available to federal departments. We will also inform the new Centre of research needs in the area of language policy.
  • The Metropolis Project initiates a Canada-wide project on topics related to language issues.
Metropolis continues to work closely with the Integration Branch on the development of the content for national Metropolis conferences.
  • The Integration Branch is invited to provide input on the development and design of the plenary sessions for the coming national Metropolis conference.
Metropolis will work closely with the Official Languages Program at Canadian Heritage.
  • Metropolis continues to explore opportunities for joint initiatives and projects on policy issues with the Official Languages Program at Canadian Heritage, FMCs and other stakeholders.
Metropolis will continue working on the development of the Réseau de la Francophonie in Canada and abroad.
  • New members are recruited. The working group also examines the need to organize an event for all researchers from the Réseau de la Francophonie.
British Columbia and Yukon Region
In cooperation with community and government partners, develop and implement two-year and five-year regional action plans to foster Francophone immigration to B.C. The 17 recommendations of the classB.C. Project Immigration (a research project on settlement services) will serve as the basis for the regional action plans.
  • The 17 recommendations of Project Immigration are prioritized.
  • Our federal and community partners are involved.
  • Partnerships and funding are used to the maximum by all partners.
  • The Regional Steering Committee meets every quarter to assess progress on various fronts.
The subcommittee of the Regional Steering Committee, which includes members of various Francophone organizations, as well as representatives of immigrant-serving agencies and provincial and federal governments, meets as needed to work through the action items and to propose and discuss options and alternatives.
  • A project for funding under the Interdepartmental Partnership with the Official Language Communities (IPOLC) to advance the regional action plan is developed and put forward.
  • Relationships are strengthened with the various partners involved in the regional committee by meeting regularly and discussing joint initiatives.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has a clause on consultation with the minority language community. CIC will assist in consultations between the province and the community as part of the action plan development.
  • Information on the PNP is made available in French through cooperation with provincial partners, and action items in the plan address the need for community consultation.
  • The classB.C. FMCs are aware of the possibility of using the PNP as a way of bringing in skilled workers or selecting candidates under the PNP’s regionalization strategy.
Prairies and Northern Territories Region
Support the development of community leadership.
  • The creation of the Alberta Steering Subcommittee, composed of the regional director general, CIC, representatives of the Francophone communities and other federal and provincial partners.
Support the development of a reception structure for Francophone immigrants.
  • Integration of tools and services that allow for the reception and inclusion of newcomers.
  • Information sessions.
  • Sponsorship program for new immigrants.
  • Orientation and Language Training Program for newcomers.
  • Analysis of community labour force and employment needs.
  • Job matching program.
  • Creation of reception centres in Francophone communities in Edmonton and Calgary.
  • Community volunteer involvement in the reception and settlement of French-speaking newcomers.
Ontario Region
Develop strategies and recruitment tools for Africa, Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, etc.
  • The process for recruiting French-speaking immigrants is further developed.
Promote the private sponsorship of refugees and the Host program.
  • The private sponsorship of refugees and the Host program are promoted to French-speaking immigrants.
Promote settlement programs by establishing links between the Francophone communities and settlement service providers.
  • Settlement programs and Francophone communities are promoted to French-speaking immigrants.
Develop projects focused on centralized service delivery.

Organize information sessions on the Canadian school system for parents and students as part of the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) Program.
  • Settlement services better meet the needs of French-speaking immigrants.
Develop collaborative projects that will speed up the economic integration process and improve labour market access.
  • Mechanisms are in place to facilitate the integration of French-speaking immigrants into the Ontario labour market.
  • Existing resources on the labour market are compiled and an analysis of the information is done based on the needs of immigrants.
  • Employment skills are identified through software that defines those skills based on jobs that favour the hiring of Francophones.
Create programs for raising employer awareness (e.g., promotion and information sessions; meetings between employers and potential employees; dissemination of tools available to employers).

Explore possibilities of offering financial assistance to employers and developing internships.
  • Employers are made more aware of the potential of immigration and are encouraged to hire immigrants to meet their labour requirements.
Help immigrants access courses offered by colleges to improve the foreign credentials recognition process.

Put in place the virtual training organizations model.

Promote “skills for change” to raise immigrant awareness of the realities of the labour market.

Offer French-speaking immigrants access to Enhanced Language Training focusing on employability (in Hamilton and Toronto).

Offer business mentoring programs for French-speaking immigrants.
  • French-speaking immigrants are informed of issues related to the Canadian labour market.
Improve economic integration and labour market access for Francophone immigrants outside Toronto.
  • French-speaking immigrants settle and remain in regions outside Toronto.
Atlantic Region
Participate in the coordinating group with SAANB (Société des Acadiens et Acadiennes du Nouveau-Brunswick) to engage the Francophone community.
  • The strategic plan is considered by the tripartite committee (federal, provincial and FMCs partners) within their mandated areas.
Work in collaboration with FANE (Fédération Acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse) to promote Francophone immigration.
  • The project to promote Francophone immigration is completed. Federal departments consider findings within their mandated areas.
Identify FMCs groups to initiate discussions to promote immigration to Newfoundland/Labrador and Prince Edward Island.
  • Initial contact is made to obtain current information and identify the next steps.
Encourage the Université de Moncton to initiate a project to enable Francophone international students to work off campus.
  • Francophone international students access off-campus employment.
  • The project is evaluated.
Support New Brunswick in the promotion of the Provincial Nominee Program to attract Francophone immigrants.
  • Business New Brunswick is more aware of immigration programs and policies that can be used to support the Provincial Nominee Program.
Promote, facilitate and evaluate private sponsorships in FMCs.
  • Private sponsorships are promoted.
  • Private sponsorships in FMCs are evaluated.
  • Lessons learned are shared; service objectives are modified and implemented.
Encourage the use of Enhanced Language Training (ELT) in New Brunswick.
  • The ELT program has been discussed with stakeholders.
  • Project proposals are developed.
Review the final report entitled Evaluation of the Capacity of Francophone Minority Communities to Host Newcomers.
  • Issues and concerns within CIC’s mandate are identified and considered in conjunction with consultations with FMCs.

SECOND OBJECTIVE
Promote linguistic duality

Many of the principal measures under the second objective aim to increase awareness, among community organizations, service providers, government partners and employers, of the richness of cultural diversity and the importance of receiving newcomers into official language minority communities.

CIC employees will continue to be made aware of the Strategic Framework to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities, the national, provincial and territorial actions plans, and the presence of these communities so that they can make a greater contribution to the Department’s efforts to foster their development.

CIC remains committed to its objective to incorporate language clauses into the new and renewed agreements with the provinces and territories.

The Department will encourage the private sector to sponsor French-speaking refugees and will promote awareness of government-assisted refugees among Francophone communities.

CIC will promote and implement the Canadian Language Benchmarks (2002), the reference framework used by CIC in the teaching of French as a second language, in its regional offices, service provider organizations and the provinces that have signed agreements with CIC.

The Integration Branch will work with other branches to develop activities to promote FMCs in Canada and abroad. It will help service providers promote their services in both official languages. It will continue to provide CIC staff and citizenship judges with the tools they need to conduct citizenship ceremonies in both official languages.

The Selection Branch will continue to include language clauses in Provincial Nominee Program agreement renewals or renegotiations and will facilitate the implementation of these clauses by developing promotional tools and pilot projects.

The Communications Branch will ensure that all external communication products are available in both official languages.

The Metropolis Project will continue to hold conferences in both official languages and will invite speakers from FMCs to its various events.

The British Columbia and Yukon Region will examine the possibility of increasing its efforts to distribute information to FMCs outside Vancouver.

The Prairies and Northern Territories Region will participate in various activities designed to raise awareness of linguistic duality among communities, employers, governments and immigrants. It will promote French Manitoba internationally and among government and international partners.

The Ontario Region will revise existing information products to make them available in both official languages. It will support the implementation of official language clauses incorporated into settlement agreements with service providers.

The Atlantic Region will continue to encourage FMCs to participate in planning and carrying out citizenship ceremonies. It will also support service providers in the implementation of language clauses.

Principal Measures Expected Outputs
Department-wide
Continue to make CIC employees aware of the Strategic Framework to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities, the national, provincial and territorial action plans, and the presence of these communities.
  • CIC employees are more aware of the framework and contribute to the Department’s efforts to attract more French-speaking immigrants and to integrate them into FMCs.
  • CIC employees are aware of the significance of the presence of Francophone communities for Canada’s bilingual identity.
Integration Branch
Develop activities to promote FMCs internationally and within Canada.
  • Immigrants and potential immigrants are aware of the presence of both official language communities in Canada.
Revise departmental publications for immigrants in order to include information on FMCs.
  • Publications include a component on Canada’s linguistic duality and official language minority communities.
Help service providers promote their services in both official languages.
  • Providers of settlement services promote services in both official languages and are better equipped to refer immigrants to services in the official language of their choice.
Send material promoting linguistic duality to the service provider responsible for the Canadian Orientation Abroad initiative.
  • Canadian Orientation Abroad staff are aware of the material developed to promote Canada’s linguistic duality.
Provide CIC employees with the tools they need to conduct citizenship ceremonies in both official languages.
  • The tools to promote Canada’s bilingual character are published and sent to CIC staff in both official languages.
Provide citizenship judges with the tools they need to conduct citizenship ceremonies in both official languages.
  • The necessary tools are published and sent to judges in both official languages in order to promote Canada’s linguistic duality at citizenship ceremonies.
Selection Branch
Include language clauses in renewed Provincial Nominee Program agreements.
  • Language clauses are incorporated into agreements with the provinces and territories.
Facilitate the implementation of language clauses under the Provincial Nominee Program.
  • Publicity tools and pilot projects are created or funded to facilitate the implementation of language clauses.
In collaboration with other branches, develop the content of a training module to raise awareness among visa officers of the language clauses in PNPs and the first objective of the strategic framework: "Increase the number of French-speaking immigrants."
  • Visa officers are more aware of the language clauses in PNPs and the Strategic Framework to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities.
Communications Branch
Provide bilingual communications services and guidance to internal and external partners regarding the promotion of linguistic duality.
  • Internal and external partners are more aware of the Department’s obligations under the Official Languages Act.
Provide bilingual services to the media.
  • Improved interaction between employees (spokespersons) and partners, as well as the media in both official languages.
Continue to use CIC’s Style Guide for external communications.
  • Communications products are standardized.
Ensure that all external communications products are available in both official languages.
  • Increased awareness of the Government of Canada’s Communications Policy.
  • We are able to reach all Canadians in the language of their choice.
Metropolis
Metropolis will continue hosting bilingual meetings and events such as national and international conferences, seminars, interdepartmental committee meetings, meetings with the directors of the Centres of Excellence, and the weekly staff meetings.
  • Simultaneous interpretation is available for plenary sessions of the 7th National Metropolis Conference (March 2006) and the 9th and 10th International Metropolis Conference (September 2004, October 2005).
Metropolis will continue to invite presenters from FMCs to the different events hosted by the project.
  • Participation of presenters from FMCs at the 8th National Metropolis Conference in Vancouver in March 2006.
The Metropolis Institute will offer courses in French.
  • Courses are offered in French.
British Columbia and Yukon Region
CIC employees attended a presentation by Dr. Dyane Adam, Commissioner of Official Languages, entitled “Canada’s Social Fabric: Embracing Duality and Diversity.” The exposure of key messages such as this strengthens our commitment and helps staff to think of ways to promote this duality both internally and externally.
  • Bilingual staff are exposed to national discussions on official languages and consider ways to integrate them into the workplace, particularly in a unilingual area like Vancouver.
CIC Vancouver Admissions is developing strategies to support outreach to the Lower Mainland community and involve them in the planning of special citizenship ceremonies featuring bilingual speakers.
  • At least one bilingual ceremony is held with the FMCs during the Semaine de la Francophonie.
CIC Vancouver Admissions develops educational material on citizenship for schools and includes information on the historically bilingual aspect of Canada.
  • Bilingual tools are used for citizenship promotion in the Lower Mainland community.
The classB.C. and Yukon Region examines opportunities to expand its outreach efforts with FMCs in areas outside the Lower Mainland. Its efforts focus on settlement services offered in concert with the provincial government, service providers and FMCs on the theme of regionalization. CIC will encourage FMCs to participate in citizenship promotion activities.
  • Two bilingual citizenship ceremonies are conducted outside the Lower Mainland during the 2004-05 fiscal year and include representatives from the FMCs who address new Canadians.
Prairies and Northern Territories Region
Raise awareness of Canada’s linguistic duality among communities, employers, governments and immigrants.
  • Workshops are held to increase awareness.
  • A media campaign is run to highlight the success and contribution of immigrants.
  • A reception is held following a citizenship ceremony.
  • The official language clauses in the settlement program contribution agreements are implemented.
  • Activities are organized between service providers and the Francophone community to meet the needs of both official language communities.
Promote French Manitoba internationally.
  • An information and publicity campaign on French Manitoba that targets departments, embassies and other international partners is held.
Ontario Region
Ensure that information products and settlement services are available in both official languages.
  • French-speaking immigrants have access to promotional material and settlement services in both official languages.
Improve the French Web site: www.établissement.org.
  • More information is available in French on the Web site.
Support the development of 211 services. The 211 services provide community, governmental, social and health information.
  • CIC supports the expansion of 211 services across the province of Ontario and provides financing for the project.
Support the development of an intergovernmental “Open Window” project for the London area to provide information to the Francophone community.
  • The Francophone community has access to information in French from the federal, provincial and municipal governments in the London area.
Organize working sessions in French for conferences on ISAP and the Host Program.
  • Working sessions in French are held during conferences on ISAP and the Host Program.
Implement official language clauses that were added in the settlement program contribution agreements with service providers.
  • Service provider organizations inform newcomers of FMCs and Canada’s bilingual character, and have the capacity to serve Francophone immigrants.
Atlantic Region
Encourage FMCs to participate in citizenship ceremonies.
  • FMCs representatives are invited to citizenship ceremonies.
  • Special citizenship ceremonies to highlight important FMCs cultural events are identified and planned in collaboration with FMCs.
  • A special ceremony in Nova Scotia is held during the Festival Acadien de Wedgeport, July 2004, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Acadia.
  • A reaffirmation ceremony is held with FANE at L’École Carrefour in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Ensure that organizations that offer settlement services (LINC, ISAP, Host) inform newcomers of FMCs and Canada’s bilingual character.
  • Organizations that offer settlement services are monitored to ensure that they inform newcomers of the linguistic duality of Canada.
Encourage immigrant service providers to support the needs of Francophone immigrants through available funding.
  • Service providers have the capacity to serve Francophone immigrants or have initiated actions to enhance their capacity.
  • An expanded range of documents are available to support immigrants who settle in FMCs.

HAVE YOUR SAY

CIC’s Action Plan describes our efforts to support the vitality and growth of Francophone minority communities (FMCs) and to foster the recognition of the Official Languages Act and Canada’s linguistic duality. The plan is also intended as a vehicle for communicating and consulting with these communities and others interested in the implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act.

Please take a few minutes to complete the following questionnaire. We welcome your comments and will consider them when developing future action plans.

  • What should CIC do to support and increase awareness of the spirit and purpose of the Official Languages Act?
  • What more should CIC do to foster the recognition of Canada’s linguistic duality?
  • How is immigration important to the vitality and development of FMCs?
  • This report describes a variety of proposed measures. Which proposed measures do you believe are most relevant or potentially effective? Why?
  • What other measures should CIC take to ensure that the interests of FMCs are integrated into its policies and programs?
  • CIC’s clients include prospective visitors, immigrants and citizens in Canada and abroad. What should CIC do to promote awareness among its clients of the consultative relationship it has with FMCs and the opportunities for strengthening that relationship?
  • Do you have any other suggestions or comments?

Please send your comments to:

Strategic Policy and Partnerships Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Jean Edmonds Tower South, 18th Floor
365 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1

ANNEX
List of those responsible for the implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act

Senior Officials

Michel Dorais, Deputy Minister

Diane Vincent, Associate Deputy Minister and Co-Chair of the CIC – Francophone Minority Communities Steering Committee

Lyse Ricard, Assistant Deputy Minister, Operations, and Champion of official languages

Alfred MacLeod, Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Directions and Communications

Daniel Jean, Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Program Development

Louise Gravel, Director General, Human Resources, and Co-Champion of official languages

Rosaline Frith, Director General, Integration, and Secretariat of the CIC – Francophone Minority Communities Steering Committee

National Coordinator

Lyne Deschênes
Strategic Policy and Partnerships Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Jean Edmonds Tower South, 18th Floor
365 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L1

NHQ Coordinators

Denise Legault
Integration Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Jean Edmonds Tower North, 5th Floor
300 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L1

Peter Duschinsky
International Region
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Jean Edmonds Tower South, 16th Floor
365 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L1

Marc Béland
Refugees Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Jean Edmonds Tower South, 17th Floor
365 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L1

Jane Veneranda
Selection Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Jean Edmonds Tower North, 7th Floor
300 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L1

Lucie Lafrance
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Jean Edmonds Tower South, 19th Floor
365 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L1

Nathalie Éthier
Metropolis Project
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Canadian Building, 9th Floor
219 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L1

Regional Coordinators

Karen Wilson
Atlantic Region
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
1741 Brunswick Street, Suite 220
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3X8

Thérèse Vermette
British Columbia and Yukon Region
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
800 Burrard Street, Suite 641
Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 2V8

Jim Johnson
Ontario Region
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
25 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 700
Toronto, Ontario M4T 1M2

Kim Black-Richtschied
Prairies and Northern Territories Region
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
25 Forks Market Road, Suite 400
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4S9

Daniel St-Arnaud
Quebec Region
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
1010 St. Antoine Street West, 2nd Floor
Montreal, Quebec H3C 4H6