STATUS REPORT 2001-2002

• Within the Department, ensure that the accountability framework for the implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act, which establishment was approved by the Cabinet in 1994, is respected.

• Coordinate the development and presentation of the Department of Justice Action Plan for the implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act and follow up on the accomplishments by presenting an annual Status Report.

• Study on Access to Justice

• Strategic Planning

• Evaluation Framework including consultations with the citizens.

• We have prepared an evaluation framework for the Department of Justice and the associated performance indicators so that an action plan that better reflects our activities can be prepared.

• National Study on access to justice in the minority official language. The study is available on the Department's web site http://www.justice.gc.ca/en/ps/franc/index.html

• Consultations with Official Language Minority Communities to validate the logic model and performance indicators for the implementation of Section 41 of the OLA.

• To promote the value of bilingualism within the Department of Justice by distributing information and raising employee awareness so that they understand the various benefits of these practices and appreciate how they enhance the value of the Department's work.*

• Identify and organize events such as debates and discussion groups to identify employees' expectations and concerns regarding bilingualism and increase their knowledge about bilingualism.

• Two brainstorming sessions were held with employees of the Department at the NCR and in the regions on bilingualism and bijuralism. The results of these sessions highlighted the employees' concerns with regards to language of work.

• Prepare and publish an information brochure (or leaflet) about bilingualism.

• The brochure "Official Languages, Rights and Responsibilities" has been published and distributed to all employees. The feedback was quite positive. It is distributed to all new employees during their Orientation session.

• Organize a departmental day on La Francophonie in the form of a conference to discuss the benefits to Canada in La Francophonie and issues relating to La Francophonie in Canada and internationally.

• A breakfast meeting was organized for employees of the Department (March 21, 2002) to celebrate the Day of La Francophonie, which formed part of the International Francophonie Week. A quiz on the National and International Francophonie was distributed to all employees. The Department also organized a booth that distributed information on la Francophonie.

• Measure the level of satisfaction regarding languages of work issues and to identify appropriate measures which will support and increase the use of both official languages in the workplace for the Department in the NRC.

• An Official Languages Survey was conducted. It highlighted two areas of concern: work instruments and bilingual meetings. In the Fall of 2002, the two Champions will meet all Sector Heads in order to discuss the results for their own sector as well as to identify the measures that will be undertaken over the year. A survey will be conducted in 2003 to evaluate the results.

• Updating the Official Languages site in the Intranet.

• The formatting and the content have been reviewed, with new second languages resources added.

• To give consideration to initiatives that promote both official languages and bijuralism inside the Department of Justice, and beyond the Department in its fields of activity.*

• Consolidate legislative and administrative measures under the authority of the Department of Justice relating to the administration of justice.

• The Department of Justice carried out a "Study on Access to Justice" which made it possible to collect qualitative and quantitative data on access to justice in the minority official language, define obstacles and possible solutions and draw up inventories of innovative practices. The Study attracted the interest of the provinces and territories and an FPT working group was created which includes New Brunswick, Manitoba, Ontario, Alberta, Yukon and British Columbia.

* This objective of the Committee on Bilingualism and Bijuralism (now abolished) has been followed up on by the Office of Francophonie, Justice in Official Languages and Legal Dualism

Person responsible:
Suzanne Poirier, General Counsel, Francophonie, Justice in Official Languages and Legal Dualism