ARCHIVED – Report on Results 2007-2008: Implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act
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Table of Content
- General Information
- Summary of the Institution’s Contribution to Achieving the Results Targeted
- Methodology
- Detailed Report of Achievements
- Recurring/Ongoing CIC Activities that Foster Francophone Immigration
- Distribution List
General Information
Department |
Citizenship and Immigration Canada |
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Address |
365 Laurier Avenue West, 18th Floor |
Web site |
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Minister responsible |
The Honourable Diane Finley |
Senior officials responsible for the implementation of Part VII of the Official Languages Act (OLA) |
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Departmental mandate |
Created in 1994, CIC brings together the Government’s immigration and citizenship services in order to promote the unique 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. Pursuant to the Constitution Act of 1867, immigration is an area of shared jurisdiction with the provinces and territories. |
National Coordinator |
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Assistant National Coordinator |
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Regional Coordinators |
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Summary of the Institution’s contribution to achieving the results targeted
Immigration is a central pillar in ensuring the vitality of official language minority communities in Canada. To this end, in 2007-2008, the Department of Citizenship and Immigration (CIC) continued taking positive measures to support Francophone minority communities (FMC) and to promote linguistic duality across Canada and abroad. This report describes CIC’s progress in implementing section 41 of the Official Languages Act (OLA). It assesses progress against the principle measures identified in the Department’s 2006–09 Action Plan for Implementing Section 41[note 1] and against the Government of Canada’s (GoC) Horizontal Results‑Based Management and Accountability Framework on Official Languages.
In 2007-2008, CIC continued to build on its collaboration with key stakeholders to promote the recruitment of French-speaking newcomers and to support their integration into official language minority communities in Canada. The CIC-FMC Steering Committee, which has a multi-stakeholder membership and is co-chaired by CIC and a representative of the Francophone minority community, met in September 2007 to approve priorities for the implementation of its Strategic Plan to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities. The Implementation Committee met in February 2008 and created three working groups—international, social and economic—to facilitate the implementation of the Strategic Plan (2006–2011). Regional committees and networks continued to develop priorities and regional action plans that would further this progress. This collaborative approach between CIC and its partners is essential to the development of official language minority communities and to the achievement of our objective of increasing the percentage of French-speaking immigrants who settle in Canada’s official language minority communities to a minimum of 4.4% per year by 2011.
As in the past, CIC has worked abroad and in Canada to promote the immigration and integration of French-speaking newcomers to Canada. Among other promotional and recruitment activities carried out by CIC this past year, the Canadian Embassy in Paris hosted with the provinces, territories, and FMCs “Destination Canada 2007” a large promotional and recruitment event held in Paris, Lyon and Brussels. Ten provinces, two territories, and representatives from various FMC associations, along with 2400 French and Belgian participants attended. For the first time, 23 Canadian employers from various provinces attended to meet and recruit applicants. Each event was coordinated with government agencies from France and Belgium to help Canadian employers select qualified applicants from their respective countries. These events and another large event held in Tunisia provided recruitment assistance to Canadian employers. Events such as these are valuable tools to use towards achieving desired results.
In order to promote the integration of French-speaking newcomers, CIC has also entered into, and renewed, funding arrangements that take FMCs into consideration. At the provincial/territorial level in 2007–2008, CIC renewed its agreement with the Yukon, and negotiated agreements with Alberta and Nova Scotia that included clauses regarding official languages. Building on the existing programming to support immigrant needs, CIC renewed funding and entered into new funding arrangements with service providers that would directly support the Francophone minority communities across Canada. This past year, higher levels of the French Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) and broader immigrant services through the Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program (ISAP) and HOST programs were made available to better meet the needs of Francophone clients. For example, programs such as HOST, by matching French-speaking community members and immigrant clients, increase both parties awareness of the factors surrounding the realities of Francophone immigrant integration.
Building on a more responsive approach, including a needs assessment of Francophone newcomers, CIC also funded and participated in events that furthered understanding of the factors surrounding the immigration and integration of French-speaking newcomers to Canada. For example, CIC continued to fund and be involved in the working group for the Survey on the Vitality of Official-Language Minorities (SVOLM). It also provided funding to the University of Ottawa for an analysis of issues surrounding the recruitment and retention of immigrants. These activities, along with the Metropolis Pre-Conference Days on Francophone minority communities held in March 2007 and again in April 2008, are all examples of how the Department is enhancing its knowledge and approach to supporting FMCs. Finally, CIC continues to connect with FMCs and communicate information and stories on these communities through the development of newsletters such as the publication of a bilingual newsletter in Ontario entitled FOCUS. This bilingual newsletter will be published three times a year and is dedicated to relevant government and community activities.
In light of CIC’s mandate, awareness of the importance of linguistic duality and of FMC priorities is an integral part of the Department’s work. Events, discussions and publications continue to promote understanding throughout the Department. CIC is also improving the integration of official language considerations into the development and implementation of policies and programs. Finally, in this past year, CIC’s Québec Region met with the Québec Community Groups Network (QCGN), a not-for-profit organization representing English language community organizations across Québec, to discuss the official language minority situation in Québec.
Methodology
Canadian Heritage (PCH) has established the following categories of activity to standardize the structure for departmental action plans and results‑based status reports: awareness, consultation, communications, coordination and liaison, funding and program delivery, and accountability.
Given that the social, economic, and cultural aspects of integration are interrelated and interdependent, most of the activities conducted to support the implementation of section 41 of the OLA, as described in this report, cover several categories.
In this report, in cases where the result involves more than one category, we have highlighted the predominant category of activity for each targeted result. The categories are selected using the matrix of categories of activity, and the predominant one is identified by a larger symbol. This form of graphic representation immediately shows the scope of the activity by the number of categories involved, and the predominant category, by the size of the symbol.
We have chosen to use this matrix to avoid duplication, given that most activities in the Status Report involve more than one category. In addition, grouping activities by predominant category ensures consistency.
We have also created a list of recurring and ongoing activities that CIC carries out each year, even though the list is not part of our analysis of activities. This approach shows the range of positive measures taken by the Department in promoting Canada’s linguistic duality through the development of FMCs. All the items in the list have already been covered in specific activities in earlier versions of the Status Report. Here again, applying the matrix of categories of activity shows the scope of each activity by the number of categories involved, and the predominant category by the size of the symbol for each recurring or ongoing activity concerned. We have adopted this approach in order to provide a dynamic presentation of the activities that foster the development of FMCs.
Detailed Report of Achievements
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 Francophone Minority Communities (FMCs); senior management performance contracts and incentive reward programs; FMC perspective is taken into account in internal research, studies and investigations.]
Direct 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 FMCs.
- Awareness
- Consultation
- Communications
- Coordination and liaison
- Program delivery and funding
| Activity Carried Out to Achieve Targeted Result | Outputs | Results Measurement Indicators |
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Awareness building of CIC staff to the importance of Francophone communities for Canada’s identity as a bilingual country.
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Involvement of managers in the CIC – FMC Steering Committee; Involvement of managers and employees in the Implementation Committee, in various regional and provincial committees, and in conferences involving government employees and other stakeholders. In May 2007, a presentation and discussion on the 2006-2007 Status Report on the Implementation of Section 41 of the OLA took place at CIC’s Management Accountability Committee, and in June 2007, a presentation and discussion took place at the Departmental Management Committee on the PCH Guide for Federal Institutions for the Implementation of Part VII. A message on the Guide was sent by CIC’s Deputy Minister to all staff in July. In April 2007, a presentation on the FMC file was made to CIC’s Policy Committee. In 2007-2008, the Operational Management and Coordination Branch gave a presentation to employees in the CIC Atlantic Region on their obligations concerning OL and contribution agreements. In 2007-2008, CIC began work to clarify the Departmental policy regarding Francophone applicants under the Live-in Caregiver Program. Policy options to clarify official language requirements are being explored. Articles were published on FMCs in the internal newsletters for the B.C.-Yukon and Ontario Regions. In April and October 2007 and March 2008 three articles were published and posted on the internal website, Web west, in the B.C.-Yukon Region. The Ontario Region published an article in the March 2008 issue of its internal newsletter. CIC celebrated La semaine de la francophonie in March 2008, by hosting various activities throughout the week in Ottawa. Presentations included highlighting the importance of FMCs and linguistic duality. In Vancouver, staff members were invited to hear a guest speaker from the Fédération francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB) talk about their global plans and priorities. In addition, CIC and the FFCB partnered to organize a bilingual citizenship ceremony in the Francophone community. |
Employee and management awareness and understanding of responsibilities regarding section 41 of OLA and FMCs.
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B. Consultation (Sharing of Ideas and Information with FMCs)
[Activities (e.g.: committees, discussions, meetings) allowing the FI to consult FMCs 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 FMC consultations coordinated by other government institutions; consultation of FMCs by regional offices to identify their concerns and needs.]
Direct Result
Creation of lasting relationships between CIC and FMCs; CIC and FMCs understand each other’s needs and mandates.
- Awareness
- Consultation
- Communications
- Coordination and liaison
- Program delivery and funding
| Activities Carried Out to Achieve Targeted Result | Outputs | Results Measurement Indicators |
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| Implementation of the Strategic Plan to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities. | Consultations with the CIC-FMC Steering Committee stakeholders at the annual meeting held September 2007 and at the meetings of the Implementation Committee held June and September 2007 and February 2008. Presentation of implementation plan and approval of priorities. | A strong and lasting relationship between parties is created, and members understand each other’s needs and mandates and move forward with a collective mandate. |
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CIC presented available data on Francophone immigration to the CIC-FMC Steering Committee at the annual meeting in September 2007 and at the Implementation Committee meeting in February 2008. |
Knowledge of statistical information increases understanding of needs.
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Consultations with members of academia, government, and civil society to take stock of Francophone immigration and its impact on Canada. |
Consultations regarding the planned Canadian Experience Class, which took place in the B.C.-Yukon and Atlantic Regions, included participation of the Francophone community. Levels planning consultations also included FMCs in the Atlantic Region. Consultations with the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne (FCFA) in the creation of a new section on CIC’s Internet site on Francophone immigration outside of Québec that will be launched in 2008. Consultations with the FCFA and other FMC organizations and universities on immigration and diversity in FMCs for the Spring 2008 publication of the magazine Canadian Issues and in preparation for the Metropolis Pre-Conference Days on Francophone minority communities held in March 2007 and in April 2008. |
Knowledge of FMCs’ experiences and needs informs the development of policies, publications and tools. |
Informal consultations with members of academia, government, and civil society to take stock of Francophone immigration and its impact on Canada. |
Funding of, and participation in, provincial committees in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba for implementation of the Strategic Plan. Provincial committees introduced action plans reflecting the goals and priorities of the CIC-FMC Strategic Plan. CIC participated in the Sommet des communautés francophones et acadiennes, Mille regards une vision, in June 2007, which was organized by the FCFA; in the 75th Congrès de l’Association francophone pour le savoir (ACFAS) L’esprit en movement in May 2007; in the Journée de réflexion sur l’immigration francophone organized by CIC Metropolis in Toronto in March 2007 and in April 2008 in Moncton; and in the Symposium sur les langues officielles organized by l’Assemblée de la francophonie in October 2007. Three forums were organized by the Ontario Francophone Local Immigration Networks in March 2008, to identify the specific needs of South Central, Northern and Eastern communities. B.C.-Yukon Region attended the annual Francophone organizations’ President’s meeting and conducted a presentation for all school principals from the “Conseil Scolaire Francophone de la Colombie-britannique ” in order to raise awareness on the Francophone recruitment initiatives and to discuss school community needs. B.C.-Yukon Region ensured that FMCs were part of the working group for the establishment of a Francophone consortium to assure French-speaking reception services were available for newcomers. B.C.-Yukon Region attended several meetings with Francophone community members and the Province of B.C. to discuss the expansion of services in French and to devise a model inclusive to all Francophone service providers. Conferences engaging stakeholders on FMC issues were held across Canada throughout the year. A Settlement conference in Edmonton and a small centre conference in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan involving FMCs and other partners explored issues, challenges and best practices regarding FMCs. In the Atlantic Region, FMCs attended the Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA) conference held in the Fall of 2007, which provided them with the opportunity to consult and share best practices with service providers. The Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FANE), in collaboration with Metropolis, organized a day of reflection in the Atlantic Region on immigration in the rural context, in November 2007. CIC became a member of the Comité Tripartite de la Fédération nationale des conseils scolaires francophones in early 2008. |
Knowledge of FMCs’ experiences and needs informs the development of policies, publications and tools. |
C. Communications (Provision of Information to FMCs)
[External communications activities designed to inform FMCs of FI activities, programs and policies, and to promote the bilingual character of Canada; FI includes FMCs on all information and distribution lists; FI uses its website to communicate with FMCs.]
Direct Result
FMC culture reflects an up-to-date understanding of the CIC mandate; FMCs receive up-to-date and relevant information about CIC programs and services (P&S).
- Awareness
- Consultation
- Communications
- Coordination and liaison
- Program delivery and funding
| Activities Carried Out to Achieve Targeted Result | Outputs | Results Measurement Indicators |
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| Information and tools regarding FMCs are improved and developed. | CIC is developing comprehensive material to position the Department to best communicate how its activities are supporting the vitality of FMCs. | Canadians and members of FMCs have greater access to up-to-date and relevant information and resources across Canada. |
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CIC is developing and improving Web material to better inform both those immigrants who are considering settlement in FMCs and those who have already arrived on where to go for services. Profiles of FMCs in provinces/territories are in the final stages of being updated and posted on CIC’s website; Further development of websites for Francophone organisations across the Prairies and Northern Territories (P.N.T.) Region (Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise, Société franco-manitobain and L’ACFA, l’association canadienne-francaise de l’Alberta); and in Ontario, the improvement of content specific to FMCs on the recently launched www.établissement.org website. The first issue of a bilingual newsletter, entitled FOCUS was developed and published in December 2007 by CIC Ontario Region. The newsletter will be published three times a year and is dedicated to government and community FMC activities in Ontario. The newsletter is available on the www.settlement.org and www.établissement.org websites. Ontario Region funded the production of two video films. The first, Découvrir un chez-soi focuses on the successes and challenges of the integration of Francophone immigrants in Ontario. Through the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) initiative, the second video entitled New Moves/Nouvelles viesaims to increase awareness on the importance of strong communication between parents and teachers, especially in the context of parent-teacher interviews. B.C.-Yukon Region collaborates with the FFCB and writes three to four bulletins a year for Francophone community representatives. This serves as an update and includes other types of related activities. Contribution to an article in the Spring 2008 edition of the magazine Canadian Issues on immigration and diversity in FMCs; Consulted for the March 2007 journal Point d’arrivée le bulletin du dossier immigration dans les communautés francophones et acadiennes; contributed to the Bulletin 41‑42, Volume 13, No. 2, Spring/Summer 2007; Volume 13, No. 3, Fall 2007; and Volume 14, No. 1, Winter 2008. CIC funded the development of a brochure highlighting the Francophone communities and the services available in Saskatchewan. This brochure was distributed during the large promotional and recruitment event in Europe, “Destination Canada.” B.C.-Yukon Region organized meetings with the Francophone community and employers from the French placement agency from France called “Espace emploi international” in September 2007. This resulted in advertisements for bilingual positions available in Canada that specifically targeted individuals in France and other French-speaking countries. B.C.-Yukon Region conducted training sessions with the new SWIS counsellors. As part of the orientation information Francophone recruitment was discussed and a list of French service providers was given. B.C.-Yukon Region in conjunction with the Province of B.C. presented to participants from France in the Working Holiday Program and provided them with the opportunity to ask questions on applying for permanent residence. |
Potential immigrants are aware of the realities of immigrating and living in Canada’s FMCs. FMCs become aware of the realities facing immigrants. |
| Through collaborative approaches with provincial and territorial governments and with FMCs, promotional activities to increase the recruitment of skilled French‑speaking immigrants and students take place across Canada. | A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Province of Alberta to encourage the recruitment from France, Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Tunesia and Mexico of French-speaking students to attend Campus Saint-Jean. MOU with the Province of New Brunswick to support social and labour market integration of international students at the University of Moncton; promotion of employment opportunities to international students; and hiring options for small and medium enterprises in New Brunswick. Active participation in the Comité partenaire du développement économique des francophones du Manitoba. Partners include the Council of Economic Development of Bilingual Municipalities of Manitoba, the Province of Manitoba, the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce and other French organisations. |
Recruitment and retention of French-speaking immigrants and students. |
| Support was provided to College Boreal (part of the network for northern Ontario) to actively recruit immigrant students and, in order to help them settle in the north, collaborate with the employment and social services sector in Sudbury, Ontario. | Immigrant students are economically and socially integrated in northern Ontario. | |
| Support to the University of Guelph to recruit skilled immigrants for opportunities in rural regions of Ontario. Promotional materials, a tour in eastern Ontario, and a one-day workshop were undertaken to provide information on education and employment in the agricultural sector. | Skilled immigrants interested in employment in rural areas are better informed about opportunities. | |
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In Ontario, College Boreal has worked with employers to provide placements for students in their bridge to work programs. The College’s multidisciplinary centres in Toronto and Hamilton have provided language in the workplace programs to Francophone immigrants. College Boreal has also provided English language in the workplace programs to Francophone immigrants using a combination of online and in-class delivery models. |
Students in bridge to work and language in the workplace programs perfect their language skills and get employment in their field. |
Presentation given at the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Working Group meeting in December 2007 to encourage recruitment of French-speaking provincial nominees. Funding of online employment mentorship program with Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise for French overseas skilled workers. Community capacity building funded by CIC in French-speaking communities in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Activities include awareness-building workshops, speakers, forums, and citizenship ceremonies. |
Increased understanding of the realities facing potential immigrants to Canada with a view to strengthen integration capacity; coordinated settlement services throughout the province; and implemented effective partnership structures. | |
| Through collaborative approaches with provincial and territorial governments and with FMCs, promotional activities to increase the recruitment of skilled French‑speaking immigrants and students take place in French-speaking countries around the world. | Large promotional and recruitment events “Destination Canada” were held in November 2007 in Paris, Lyon and Brussels and later in Tunisia. The European events which were hosted by the Canadian Embassy in Paris, with provinces, territories, the FCFA and Francophone associations from across Canada, brought together 23 Canadian employers from various provinces and more than 2400 participants. |
Potential French-speaking immigrants and FMC members receive up-to-date and relevant information about CIC programs and services with a view to increase the recruitment of immigrants and students. |
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.]
Direct Results
Co-operation with multiple partners to enhance FMC development and vitality, and to share best practices.
- Awareness
- Consultation
- Communications
- Coordination and liaison
- Accountability
| Activities Carried Out to Achieve Targeted Result | Outputs | Results Measurement Indicators |
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| Meeting of the CIC – FMC Steering Committee, Implementation Committee and regional steering committees. | Cooperation with multiple stakeholders through the CIC-FMC Steering Committee, Implementation Committee, and regional sub-committees; Federal, provincial/territorial governments and FMCs contribute their perspectives on the needs of FMCs. | Commitment and shared vision from partners in the Francophone communities, federal departments and other levels of government to promote the development and vitality of FMCs. |
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Three working groups were created—international, social, and economic—at the February 2008 meeting of the Implementation Committee. |
Mechanisms are set up for coordinating the implementation of the Strategic Plan. |
Provincial and regional committees put in place to identify the needs and priorities for the implementation of the Strategic Plan. |
Regional committees consisting of other federal departments, provinces and Francophone organizations are implemented and funded in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, and continue to identify regional priorities. The regional sub-committee in Ontario for Francophone immigration continues to play an active role in working on the implementation of a long-term vision for Francophone integration, and the coordination of immigration-related initiatives of federal and provincial partners. The sub-committee also plays the lead role in setting the direction for, and evaluating the activities of, the three Francophone local immigration networks in Ontario. Lead roles of Société des acadiens et acadiennes du Nouveau-Brunswick (SAANB), La Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle Écosse (FANE), Carrefour d’Immigration Rural (CIR) in New Brunswick and La Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador (FFTNL) in the coordination of the committees in place in each of the respective provinces. |
Greater coordination of activities developed across Canada. |
Development of networks to ensure the coordination of the immigration of French-speaking people to those FMCs wanting to focus on immigration to support their development and vitality. |
Three networks implemented in eastern, south-western and northern Ontario allow for consultation and coordination with Francophone organizations in their respective regions on the needs of FMCs. They have coordinated activities that engage all sectors, including the three levels of government, to raise awareness about the needs of Francophone immigrants. | Better coordination of activities is achieved throughout Ontario and better communication between Francophone organizations and CIC. Partnerships among Francophone organizations are created in order to build a continuum of services to support integration of immigrants. |
Inclusion of official languages clauses in all new and renewed federal-provincial/territorial agreements on immigration. |
In 2007, CIC renewed its agreement with the Yukon (December 2007) and negotiated agreements with Alberta (May 2007) and Nova Scotia (September 2007), with the inclusion of clauses regarding official languages. |
Immigration agreements with provinces/territories are negotiated or renewed with clauses regarding official languages. |
Participation of CIC in various governmental fora. |
Presentation by CIC to official language coordinators at Justice Canada in 2007 and to Industry Canada in 2008; Participation and contribution by CIC at the Symposium Les enjeux de recherche sur les langues officielles en janvier 2008. CIC has been working closely with the Canada Rural Secretariat to enhance CIC’s presence in French-speaking rural communities through organizations such as the Carrefour d’Immigration Rural in Saint-Léonard, N.B. and Wellington, P.E.I. |
Coordination and collaboration with multiple partners. |
E. Funding and Program Delivery
[Implementation of P&S by FI; funding of FMC projects by FI alone or in collaboration with other government institutions; integration of FMC needs in P&S delivery.]
Direct Results
FMCs are part of CIC’s regular clientele and have adequate access to programs and services; FMC needs (e.g.: geographic dispersion, development opportunities) are taken into account.
- Consultation
- Communications
- Coordination and liaison
- Program delivery and funding
- Accountability
| Activities Carried Out to Achieve Targeted Result | Outputs | Results Measurement Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Funding to provide settlement services targeting French-speaking immigrants. | CIC continues to fund service provider organizations to deliver settlement services (ISAP), language training in French (LINC), enhanced language training for the labour market (ELT), matching immigrants with Canadian volunteers (HOST), and settlement support in schools (SWIS) to Francophone clients across Canada. In 2007-2008, French ISAP services were provided in Calgary and Edmonton and in Ontario through the Centre francophone in Toronto and the Conseil économique et social d’Ottawa-Carleton (CÉSOC) in Ottawa. |
Settlement services meet the needs of Francophone immigrants and support their integration. |
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The Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks is working to adapt the LINC Curriculum Guidelines in French for levels 5‑7; Le Conseil des écoles publiques de l’est de l’Ontario (CÉPÉO) is working on the development of French online LINC courses for levels 3 and 4, and French LINC services were provided by La Cité collégiale and CÉPÉO in Ottawa, Ontario. The CIR in New Brunswick (N.B.) also received funding to provide CLIC in northern N.B. and for awareness-building activities in l’école Grande-Rivière located in Saint-Léonard. |
Francophone immigrants receive French language training to improve their language abilities and improve employment opportunities. |
| In 2007-2008, French HOST services were provided in Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatchewan, and in Ontario at the Centre francophone in Toronto and CÉSOC in Ottawa. For the first time in the Atlantic Region, Francophone Host programs were funded through the CIR in Saint-Léonard, N.B. and through the Centre d’accueil des immigrants et immigrantes du Moncton métropolitain (CAIIMM). | Increased awareness for Canadians and immigrants regarding integration realities facing Francophone immigrants to Canada. | |
Funding to promote employment opportunities targeting French-speaking immigrants. |
The University of Guelph developed a project to attract Francophone immigrants to employment opportunities in rural communities. Promotional materials were developed and a tour and a workshop were implemented. Interested immigrants have been recruited for employment in agriculture. La Corporation néo-canadienne de développement et de leadership communautaire – COCDEL, organized a forum on employment in rural areas in March 2008 in Toronto. The exhibit featured a number of employment opportunities. The SAANB received funding for the continuation of the work undertaken by the “Table de Concertation” in N.B. |
Francophone immigrants are better informed and find employment opportunities in rural areas. |
| The FFTNL received funding to complete an inventory of the semi-skilled and professional labour needs of the Francophone Acadian community in concert with the provincial government, the community, and the business sector. | Constraints regarding Francophone immigrant integration into the labour market in Newfoundland and Labrador are identified. | |
Funding to increase capacity to promote and integrate French-speaking immigrants. |
The Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse received funding to develop their capacity to promote, recruit, settle and integrate French-speaking new immigrants in the Acadian and Francophone regions of Nova Scotia. The funding received was also to be used to raise awareness in the various communities, ensure coordination, and identify the needs of the communities. |
Capacity to support FMC immigration and integration is developed. |
Funding to build awareness of Francophone immigrant needs. |
The CAIIMM received funding for awareness-building activities in the greater Moncton area. For example, intercultural sessions for professionals in education. The CIR Évangéline in Prince Edward Island received funding for awareness-building activities in schools and in the community. The funding received was also for developing tools to improve the integration process, to increase retention in rural Francophone communities, and to raise awareness on the positive impacts of cultural diversity. The Caravan of Tolerance, interactive anti-racism workshops were presented in French schools throughout Alberta. This is jointly funded by CIC, the Province of Alberta, French school boards, the Province of Quebec, and Canadian Heritage. |
Awareness of the realities facing Francophone immigrants is raised. |
Development and/or enhancement of tools to better serve French-speaking immigrants. |
Development of a brochure in Saskatchewan featuring Francophone communities across the province; development of websites in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba; online mentorship program on the website of Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise in Saskatchewan; and the development and implementation of training for the citizenship test for French-speaking immigrants in Manitoba. |
Tools are developed and enhanced to meet the needs of French-speaking immigrants. |
| Funding to support the development of tools to assist new immigrants in settling and adapting to their community was provided in the Atlantic to: CIR, Saint-Léonard, N.B.; CAIIMM, Dieppe, N.B.; CIR, Évangéline, P.E.I.; FANE, Dartmouth, N.S. and FFTNL, St John’s, N.L. | Increased accessibility to knowledge of community, municipal, provincial and federal services in rural areas for new immigrants. | |
| Research on FMCs. | Participation by CIC in the working group for the Survey on the Vitality Official Language Minorities (SVOLM). | Increased knowledge of the factors surrounding the integration of French-speaking immigrants in Canada. |
The University of Ottawa was funded to provide an analysis of the recruitment and retention of Francophone immigrants. A report was developed with recommendations. |
Recommendations are made to improve future strategies for the promotion and retention of French-speaking immigrants. |
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Development of tools and initiatives to support vulnerable clients (women, youth) with their integration into FMCs. |
An entrepreneurship program for French-speaking immigrant women funded by CIC Edmonton. CIC, the Status of Women, and the Province of N.B. provide funding to the Collectif des Femmes —located in Moncton—to support activities that help identify and better meet the labour market integration needs of Francophone women. Partnerships have been developed with the Maison des jeunes de Dieppe, University of Moncton, and the FMC college network. |
French-speaking immigrant women and youth have services and tools directed to their needs. |
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 P&S; regular review of P&S and policies by senior management of FI to ensure implementation of section 41 of the OLA.]
Direct Result
FMC 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 FMCs.
- Consultation
- Communications
- Coordination and liaison
- Program delivery and funding
- Accountability
| Activities Carried | Outputs | Results Measurement Indicators |
|---|---|---|
Strategic planning, reporting, internal evaluations, and policy and program development take into account the development of official language minority communities. |
The CIC-FMC Steering Committee set up in 2002, is a mechanism to ensure that strategic planning, and policy and program development take into account the obligation to promote FMCs. CIC continues to work with the Department of Justice to analyze the impact of the changes in the Act on CIC’s policies and programs. |
Integration of the FMC perspective and OLA section 41 in CIC’s strategic planning, reporting, evaluations, and policy and program development. |
Preparation of a logic model on Francophone immigration. |
Worked on the elaboration of a draft logic model for the Francophone immigration file. | Results-based logic model drafted. |
Preparation of statistical reports on Francophone immigration. |
Decision taken that forms and systems would be modified when the Global Case Management System itself is modified; a CIC working group will examine factors regarding official languages, including the database. CIC will continue to examine alternative ways to measure results. |
A working group is implemented to examine factors surrounding the modification of immigration forms to better capture information relevant to the promotion of FMCs. Options are developed to measure progress towards the 4.4% objective. |
Recurring/Ongoing CIC Activities that foster francophone immigration
The following is a list of recurring and ongoing activities that CIC carries out each year as part of the Department’s positive measures to promote Canada’s linguistic duality through the development of the FMCs.
- Large and small promotional and recruitment events with provincial, territorial and community representatives
- Awareness
- Consultation
- Communications
- Coordination and liaison
- Funding and program delivery
- Publications and continued improvement to CIC’s website to help attract and assist French‑speaking immigrants to integrate into OLMCs
- Awareness
- Consultation
- Communications
- Coordination and liaison
- Funding and program delivery
- Off-campus work for students
- Awareness
- Consultation
- Communications
- Coordination and liaison
- Insertion of official language clauses in all new and renewed federal-provincial/territorial agreements, including PNP agreements
- Awareness
- Consultation
- Communications
- Coordination and liaison
- Promotion of the provinces’ and territories’ use of PNP to foster immigration to FMCs
- Awareness
- Consultation
- Communications
- Coordination and liaison
- Citizenship ceremonies in both official languages
- Awareness
- Consultation
- Communications
- Coordination and liaison
- Production of action plans and status reports on the implementation of section 41 of the OLA
- Awareness
- Consultation
- Communications
- Coordination and liaison
- Accountability
- CIC’s participation in federal/regional council activities
- Awareness
- Consultation
- Communications
- Coordination and liaison
- Minority media taken into consideration in communications with FMCs
- Awareness
- Consultation
- Communications
- Accountability
- Specific performance objectives that deal with section 41 of the OLA are in senior management performance contracts
- Awareness
- Accountability
- Templates used to prepare Memorandum to Cabinet and Treasury Board submissions contain criteria that take into account the obligation to foster the development of FMCs
- Awareness
- Accountability
- CIC’s Policy Committee to ensure that official languages are taken into account in the policy development process
- Awareness
- Accountability
- CIC’s reports to Parliament include information on the implementation of section 41 of the OLA
- Awareness
- Accountability
Distribution List
- Richard B. Fadden, Deputy Minister, CIC
- Claudette Deschênes, Assistant Deputy Minister, Operations
- Gina Rallis, Director General, Human Resources, and Co-Champion for Official Languages
- Andrea Lyon, Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Directions and Communications
- Liliane Binette, Assistant Deputy Minister, Client Service Modernization
- 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
Footnote
- [1] CIC’s Action Plan flows in large part from the Strategic Plan to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/settlement/plan-minorities.asp. [back to note 1]
- Date Modified:
