ARCHIVED – Result-based action plan 2009-2013: Implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act

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Table of Content

General information

Department

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)

Address

365 Laurier Avenue West, 11th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 1L1

Web site

www.cic.gc.ca

Minister Responsible

The Honourable Jason Kenney

Senior Officials responsible for implementation of Part VII of the Official Languages Act (OLA)

Deputy Minister: Neil Yeates
Champion: Claudette Deschênes, Assistant Deputy Minister, Operations
Co-Champion: Diane Mikaelsson, Director General, Human Resources

Departmental Mandate

Created in 1994, CIC brings together the government’s immigration and citizenship services in order to promote the ideals shared by all Canadians and help build a stronger Canada. CIC’s mandate is based on the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, enacted in 2002 as a result of major legislative reform, and on the Citizenship Act of 1977. Under the Constitution Act of 1867, immigration is an area of shared jurisdiction with the provinces. In October 2008, the Department received responsibility for implementation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act.

National Coordinator responsible for the implementation of section 41 of the OLA

Name: Christiane Desautels
Title: Manager, Performance Reporting
Address: 365 Laurier Avenue West, 11th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 1L1
E-mail: christiane.desautels@cic.gc.ca

Assistant National Coordinator

Name: Danielle Gaeremynck
Title: Analyst, Performance Reporting
Address: 365 Laurier Avenue West, 11th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 1L1
E-mail: danielle.gaeremynck@cic.gc.ca

Regional Coordinators

Name: Maryse O’Neill
Title: Regional Program Advisor, Atlantic Region
Telephone: 506‑452‑4081
E‑mail: Maryse.O’Neill@cic.gc.ca

Name: Kathleen Hope
Title: Human Resources Advisor, Ontario Region
Telephone: 416‑954‑7893
E‑mail: Hope.Kathleen@cic.gc.ca

Name: Lissette Bonilla
Title: Manager, Citizenship, Quebec Region
Telephone: 514‑283‑4032
E‑mail: Lissette.Bonilla@cic.gc.ca

Name: Kyle Sundstrom
Title: A/Regional Program Advisor, British Columbia and Yukon Region
Telephone: 604‑666‑8908
E‑mail: Kyle.Sundstrom@cic.gc.ca

Name: Lynne Belding
Title: Program Advisor, Prairies and Northern Territories Region
Telephone: 204‑984‑7259
E‑mail: Lynne.Belding@cic.gc.ca

Name: Marthe Dufour
Title: Analyst, International Region
Telephone: 613‑957-6975
E‑mail: Marthe.Dufour@cic.gc.ca

Summary of progress expected during the period covered by the Action Plan

CIC is committed to ensuring that official language minority communities (OLMC) receive the economic and social benefits of immigration. In 2006, the Department, jointly with the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA), launched the Strategic Plan to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities [note 1] (Strategic Plan). A key objective of the Strategic Plan is to increase the current annual threshold of French-speaking immigrants settling in Francophone minority communities (FMC) to ensure demographic balance across the country. In this regard, CIC has developed and implemented strategies with its partners to attract and retain French-speaking immigrants in FMCs, and to support their integration.

This Action Plan for the implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act (OLA) presents the main measures that the Department intends to take over the next four years (2009-2013) in fulfilling its commitment with respect to supporting OLMCs in Canada. The Plan builds on the actions taken by CIC in recent years to foster the development of OLMCs and, as such, flows from the Strategic Plan and the Roadmap for Canada’s Linguistic Duality 2008-2013. The Plan also includes support for the vitality of Anglophone minority communities in Quebec, within the context of the Canada‑Quebec Accord on Immigration. The commitments outlined in this Plan are subject to ongoing consultations and priority-setting exercises with OLMCs. The main activities included in this Action Plan are summarized below by category of activity, as established by the Department of Canadian Heritage (PCH).

Awareness

Activities are carried out on an ongoing basis within the Department to raise CIC’s staff awareness of the importance of OLMCs for Canada’s identity as a bilingual country and understand their responsibilities regarding Section 41 of the OLA. In particular, information related to OLMCs will be updated and distributed to CIC employees over the planning period. Articles on OLMCs and official languages will continue to be published in regional and national newsletters, and annual conferences will be held with management and settlement staff involved with the delivery and management of OLMC agreements.

Consultations

CIC has established networks over the past years to implement the Strategic Plan. National and regional networks will be reinforced to ensure the coordination of immigration in FMCs. Two key committees supporting the implementation of the Strategic Plan are co-chaired by CIC and the FCFA: the CIC-FMC Steering Committee and the Implementation Committee, including its three working groups (economic, social and international).

Communications

CIC will continue to build on its work with the OLMCs to ensure that they are informed of emerging key initiatives. Information on OLMCs will be updated regularly on the departmental Web site. CIC will also implement outreach initiatives for the FMCs and develop information and tools to increase understanding of the Multiculturalism Program and application process.

Coordination and liaison

To enhance OLMC development and vitality and to share best practices, CIC will participate in various governmental initiatives and forums, and negotiate official language clauses in all new and renewed federal-provincial/territorial agreements on immigration. The Department will collaborate and liaise with other federal institutions on improving the delivery of the Multiculturalism Program to OLMCs in the regions across the country, and will work with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) on the recruitment of French-speaking foreign students.

Funding and program delivery

CIC will continue to provide funding to provinces and territories to support the recruitment of foreign students to Francophone post-secondary educational institutions in Canada, and to raise awareness among employers to recruit French-speaking immigrants. Through partnerships and joint strategies, CIC will implement recruitment events and promotional activities to increase the number of French-speaking immigrants settling in FMCs. Information, promotion and recruitment activities will be carried out in Canada and abroad, and these events will emphasize on targeted professions.

Funding will also be directed to service provider organizations to strengthen settlement services for French-speaking immigrants across Canada. As well, CIC will fund research projects to increase knowledge of the issues surrounding the integration of immigrants in OLMCs and improve access to services. CIC will coordinate, with other federal institutions, research activities related to gaining factual information on FMCs in Canada.

The Department will update Web sites with content on FMCs and their place in Canada to better intercept Francophone audiences. Also, promotion of Canada’s linguistic duality will be done as part of citizenship ceremonies.

Accountability

Every year, CIC prepares and submits to PCH a status report describing the progress made on the implementation of Section 41 of the OLA.

CIC will continue to take into account the development of OLMCs in strategic planning, reporting, and policy and program development. The Department will develop and implement an ongoing performance measurement strategy to evaluate the efficiency of its settlement programs and services, which will also result in improved performance information on services provided to French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec. Improving data collection will also be a key priority to measure the progress of the implementation of the Strategic Plan and support planned evaluations.

Detailed Action Plan

A. Awareness (Internal activities)

[Training, information, orientation, awareness, communications activities, etc. conducted internally to raise awareness among employees and management of the federal institution (FI) regarding linguistic duality and the priorities of official language minority communities (OLMCs); senior management performance contracts and incentive reward programs; OLMC perspective is taken into account in internal research, studies and investigations.]

Awareness

Expected result

Creates lasting changes on CIC organizational culture; all employees and managers are aware of and understand their responsibilities regarding section 41 of the OLA and OLMCs.

Planned activities to achieve the expected results Expected Outputs Indicators to measure progress in achieving the expected result

To increase awareness of employees regarding official languages obligations, CIC will implement an integrated communications strategy, (Parts IV, V, VI & VII of OLA), disseminate FMC-related information, and celebrate La semaine de la francophonie annually in March.

CIC’s managers and employees will participate in diverse regional and provincial committees and conferences.

Minimum of two annual departmental staff awareness activities:
  • Articles, national newsletters and publications with FMC-related information.
  • Events during La semaine de la francophonie at CIC.

Presentations and discussions on the implementation of Section 41, OLA, will take place at senior management committees.

Presentations to regions regarding their obligations on official languages and contribution agreements.

 Degree of understanding on the part of select employees and managers on their responsibilities regarding Section 41 of the OLA, measured by a sample-based questionnaire.

B. Consultation (Sharing of Ideas and Information with OLMCs)

[Activities (e.g.: committees, discussions, meetings) allowing the FI to consult OLMCs and exchange or dialogue with them to identify their needs and priorities or to understand the possible ramifications for their development; activities (e.g.: round table meetings, working groups) to explore possibilities of cooperation under the FI’s current mandate or as part of the development of a new program or policy; participation in OLMC consultations coordinated by other government institutions; consultation of OLMCs by regional offices to identify their concerns and needs.]

Consultation

Expected Result

Creation of lasting relationships between CIC and OLMCs; CIC and OLMCs understand each other’s needs and mandates.

Planned activities to achieve the expected results Expected outputs Indicators to measure progress in achieving the expected result

CIC will continue its consultations with OLMCs and stakeholders by holding regular meetings of the CIC-FMC Steering Committee, the Implementation Committee and its three working groups to ensure continuity in the implementation of the Strategic Plan to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities.

Regional and provincial committees and sub-committees consisting of other federal departments, provinces and Francophone organizations will implement action plans reflecting the goals and priorities of the CIC-FMC Strategic Plan, as well as identified regional priorities.

CIC will consult with OLMCs on the development of policies and programs, as well as for levels planning. CIC will also participate in various forums on official languages. In some regions, consultations with post-secondary educational institutions and other institutions will be held to develop strategies for encouraging Francophone foreign students to become permanent residents.

Annual meeting of the CIC-FMC Steering Committee, and bi-annual meetings of the Implementation Committee with participation rate of 85%.

Jointly established annual priorities by CIC-FMC Steering Committee to guide the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

Consultations with members of academia, government, and civil society to take stock of immigration in OLMCs and its impact on Canada.

CIC-FMC Steering Committee self-assessment of the quality of their relationship and the understanding of each other’s needs and mandate, measured through a questionnaire.

C. Communications (Provision of Information to OLMCs)

[External communications activities designed to inform OLMCs of FI activities, programs and policies, and to promote the bilingual character of Canada; FI includes OLMCs on all information and distribution lists; FI uses its Web site to communicate with OLMCs.]

Communications

Expected Result

OLMC culture reflects an up-to-date understanding of the CIC mandate; OLMCs receive up-to-date and relevant information about CIC programs and services.

Planned activities to achieve the expected result Expected outputs Indicators to measure progress in achieving the expected result

CIC will use communications messaging strategically to highlight how the Department’s activities are supporting the vitality of FMCs; for example, combining messaging on FMCs with announcements of settlement funding. CIC’s publications for newcomers will be revised and updated to highlight Canada’s bilingual nature and the importance of linguistic duality as a symbol of Canada. We will continue the development and publication of regional bilingual newsletters.

CIC will explore social marketing techniques as a cost-effective way to reach the Francophone audience and will present CIC’s mandate and official languages commitments to FMCs in various meetings and outreach sessions. As well, the minority media will be taken into consideration in communications with OLMCs.

CIC will develop promotional material and tools to increase knowledge and access to the Multiculturalism program by Francophone and Anglophone minority communities, and information sessions will be organised with stakeholders from these communities.

CIC will provide technical assistance to Francophone and Anglophone minority communities organizations in the identification of issues and the development of project proposals to the Multiculturalism Program in regions. The Department will also provide assistance to Francophone and Anglophone minority communities in the development of budgets and cash flow statements, as well as guidance in key phases of the project implementation.

Information and communication tools for OLMCs, including with respect to the Multiculturalism Program, are developed or improved.

Meetings and outreach sessions on CIC’s mandate and official languages commitments to FMCs.

All relevant public announcement campaigns take minority media into consideration.

Interventions with OLMC organisations result in the receipt of project applications and in recommended projects for the Multiculturalism Program.

CIC-FMC Steering Committee reports improved understanding of how CIC’s programs and services support the development of OLMCs, as measured by a questionnaire.

D. Coordination and liaison (No funding – Internal coordination and liaison with other government institutions)

[Coordination activities (research, studies, meetings, etc.) carried out by the FI with other government institutions or other levels of government; participation in activities held by other FI’s, other levels of government, etc.; participation of OL champions, national and regional coordinators, etc. in various government forums.]

Coordination and Liaison

Expected Results

Co-operation with multiple partners to enhance OLMC development and vitality, and to share best practices.

Planned activities to achieve the expected results Expected outputs Indicators to measure progress in achieving the expected result

CIC will negotiate official languages clauses in new and renewed federal-provincial/territorial agreements on immigration.

CIC will collaborate and liaise with the Official Languages Support Programs Branch of PCH to develop a strategic approach for improving program delivery of the Multiculturalism Program to Francophone and Anglophone minority communities in the regions.

The Department will collaborate with DFAIT in their efforts to support Francophone post-secondary educational institutions across Canada in their recruitment of French-speaking foreign students. CIC will also continue to participate in symposiums and committees related to official languages.

Inclusion of official languages clauses in all new and renewed agreements.

Contributors and FMCs agree that the level of collaboration on this file contributes to the development and vitality of OLMCs, as measured by a questionnaire of the CIC-FMC Steering Committee.

E. Funding and program delivery

[Implementation of programs and services by FI; funding of OLMC projects by FI alone or in collaboration with other government institutions; integration of OLMC needs in programs and services delivery.]

Funding and Program Delivery

Expected Results

OLMCs are part of CIC’s regular clientele and have adequate access to programs and services; OLMC needs (e.g.: geographic dispersion, development opportunities) are taken into account.

Recruitment and Promotion
Planned activities to achieve the expected results Expected outputs Indicators to measure progress in achieving the expected result

Through collaborative approaches with OGDs, key sectors such as health, economy, education, provincial and territorial governments and FMCs, promotional activities to increase the recruitment of skilled French‑speaking immigrants and students will take place across Canada and in regions of the world with a pool of potential French-speaking immigrants.

CIC will provide Francophone post-secondary educational institutions in Canada with better communications material on the advantages of choosing Canada and on permanent residence options for international students after graduation.

CIC will initiate projects that focus on Francophone communities and raise awareness among employers regarding provincial nominee programs and the economic potential of French-speaking immigrants. As well, in some regions, Francophone networks will implement specific projects to engage employers.

Number of partnerships with key sectors such as health, economy and education.

Destination Canada, which includes job fair and promotion and recruitment events, is held, with the following target:

  • Maintain annual participation rate of 2,400 potential immigrants;

Information sessions on immigration, with the following target:

  • 38-52 sessions held abroad;

Number of refugees referred to the Matching Centre for resettlement in an OLMC (referral activities in collaboration with the Hebrew Immigration Aid Society).

Number of information sessions at fairs abroad aimed at French-speaking students, and number of participants.

Number of information sessions on immigration and number of French-speaking temporary residents in Canada attending information sessions.

Implementation of promotional and partnership activities related to economic development across the country, with a minimum of 4-6 targeted economic recruitment activities per year.

Increase in the number of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec, from 0.7% in 2008 to 1.8 % by 2013 [note 2].

Settlement and Integration
Planned activities to achieve the expected results Expected outputs Indicators to measure progress in achieving the expected result

CIC will continue to fund service provider organizations to deliver new and enhanced settlement and integration services, such as language training in French, newcomer information, community and employment bridging to Francophone clients across Canada. Service providers will be accountable for their obligations regarding official languages clauses in their agreements.

CIC will implement in some regions a one-stop service for French-speaking immigrants to provide access to federal and provincial benefits, and information about settlement services.

French language resources will continue to be developed to meet the needs of Francophone newcomers in schools. Also, training on use of a new classification test for French language training will be provided in all regions. Access to French language evaluation services will be established across Canada.

CIC will continue to fund cultural-awareness initiatives such as interactive workshops held in communities and educational videos presented in schools, as well as producing videos aimed at French-speaking immigrants.

15% increase in service points offering French services to newcomers by 2013.

Number of contribution agreements per programming stream per year that serve French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec.

Implementation of curriculum guidelines for French language instruction for newcomers to Canada for levels 1-7 by 2009-2010.

Launch of French online language training courses for levels 3 and 4.

Provision of new and enhanced French language training services.

Annual uptake of integration services delivered in French to French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec.

Number and percentage of immigrants outside Quebec who receive French language training annually; and number and percentage of those who progress to higher levels.
Research
Planned activities to achieve the expected results Expected outputs Indicators to measure progress in achieving the expected result

CIC will provide funding for research projects on immigration in OLMCs. For example, various delivery modes for French language training on-line will be explored, as well as the best venues for promoting services to Francophone immigrants.

CIC will coordinate research activities, through the Multiculturalism Program, related to gaining factual information on OLMCs in Canada in partnership with the Official Languages Support Programs Branch of PCH.

At least 2 research products on OLMCs per year, including at least one in the Quebec Region.

Development of statistical data and analytical reports, as well as a diversity questionnaire.

Policy and program development at CIC is influenced by research findings, as measured by a qualitative assessment.

Promotion of Linguistic Duality
Planned activities to achieve the expected results Expected outputs Indicators to measure progress in achieving the expected result

The Department will improve its Web site content to better intercept Francophone audiences with information on FMCs and their place in Canada.

Also, promotion of Canada’s linguistic duality is an important part of citizenship ceremonies, which recognize both official languages.

Revised content for Web pages on FMCs.

Number of bilingual and minority language citizenship ceremonies held across Canada.

Increased number of visits to CIC’s Web sites or Web pages destined to French-speaking audiences against current number of visits in 2008.

F. Accountability

[Activities through which FI integrates its work to implement section 41 of the OLA into its departmental planning and reporting mechanisms (e.g.: report on plans and priorities, departmental performance report, departmental business plan, status report for implementation of section 41 of the OLA, etc.); evaluations and internal audits of programs and services; regular review of programs and services and policies by senior management of FI to ensure implementation of section 41 of the OLA.]

Accountability

Expected Result

OLMC perspective and OLA section 41 are fully integrated into CIC policies and programs and services; the reporting structure, internal evaluations, and policy reviews determine how to better integrate OLMCs.

Planned activities to achieve the expected results Expected outputs Indicators to measure progress in achieving the expected result

Strategic planning, reporting, and policy and program development will continue to take into account the development of OLMCs. For example, templates used to prepare Memoranda to Cabinet and Treasury Board submissions contain criteria that take into account the obligation to foster the development of OLMCs. As well, select CIC senior management have specific objectives in their performance management accords related to Section 41 of the OLA.

The Department will develop and implement an ongoing performance measurement strategy to evaluate the relevance, progress and cost-effectiveness of its programs and services and determine how to better integrate newcomers into OLMCs.

In order to improve our ability to collect data on the first official language used by immigrants, CIC will modify forms, information kits and its data collection system pertaining to permanent and temporary residence applicants. Also, tools will be developed to collect data on the outcome of the contribution agreements for the settlement program, including services provided to French-speaking immigrants.

Production of annual status reports on the implementation of Section 41 of the OLA.

Implementation of the Guidelines on Official Languages Complaints Resolution Process for Parts IV, V, VI & VII at CIC.

Evaluation of CIC’s initiative to foster immigration to FMCs as part of the Roadmap in 2011-2012.

Survey on services provided to Francophone immigrants.

Reports on refugees referred to FMCs.

Statistics on official language used by immigrants available as of December 2010 through GCMS.

Assessment by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages in report card.

Distribution list

  • Neil Yeates, Deputy Minister, CIC
  • Claudette Deschênes, Assistant Deputy Minister, Operations, and Champion for Official Languages
  • Diane Mikaelsson, Director General, Human Resources, and Co-Champion for Official Languages
  • Andrea Lyon, Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic and Program Policy
  • Kathryn Howard, Assistant Deputy Minister, Service Innovation and Technology
  • Jamie Pitfield, Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services
  • Rick Stewart, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Operations
  • Directors General, CIC
  • CIC coordinators responsible for the implementation of section 41 of the OLA
  • Members, House of Commons Standing Committee on Official Languages
  • Members, Senate Standing Committee on Official Languages
  • Commissioner of Official Languages
  • Groups and organizations from official languages minority communities
  • Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada
  • Members, CIC – FMC Steering Committee
  • Members, Implementation Committee, Strategic Plan to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities

Footnotes