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Home : Reports and Publications : Departmental Strategies : Official Languages Act : 2004-2008

Introduction

Part VII, Section 41 of the Official Languages Act (OLA) establishes that every federal institution has a responsibility to:

1. enhance the vitality of the English and French linguistic minority communities in Canada and support and assist in their development, and
   
2. foster the full recognition and use of both English and French in Canadian society.

In addition, all departments and agencies of the Government of Canada are subject to the accountability and coordination framework adopted in the Government's Action Plan for Official Languages The Next Act: New Momentum for Canada's Linguistic Duality.

The February 2004, Speech from the Throne sets out the Government's priorities, including its intention to "... help communities become more dynamic, more culturally rich, more cohesive, and partners in strengthening Canada's social foundations." It speaks of new approaches to community development or "social economy" and support for entrepreneurial social movement, increasing access to resources and tools. The Speech also underlines a link to duality by noting that, "Another defining characteristic of our communities and of our reputation around the world is the vitality and excellence of our cultural life."

In accordance with the obligations of the accountability framework, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is tabling its third Official Languages Act (OLA) Action Plan for the Implementation of Section 41 (also referred to as The Action Plan). The 2004-2008 Action Plan will concentrate on improvements to existing initiatives that build on:

• changes to the organizational culture of the department;
• changes to the culture of community organizations;
• sustainable working relationships between the department and the communities; and
• increased community participation.

The Action Plan looks to enhance the department's strategic directions of innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable communities within the activities of the western Official Languages Minority Communities (OLMC).

For the purposes of The Action Plan, the terms Francophone, French-speaking community or French-speaking population, will be used synonymously with that of the Official Languages Minority Community (OLMC), in the broadest sense. The Department does not define membership within the OLMC on the basis of ethnic origin, place of birth, immigration status, or mother tongue. WD and their partners' programs and services take an inclusive approach to the western OLMC served.

WD has developed its 2004-2008 Action Plan taking into consideration the policy statements elaborated within the Government of Canada's Action Plan for Official Languages The Next Act: New Momentum for Canada's Linguistic duality. The Department also conducted numerous consultations at regional levels and has participated in national consultations with the OLMC, the academic fields, associations, and community stakeholder groups. WD collaborated with many other federal departments and its partners, the Francophone Economic Development Organizations (FEDOs), to carry out the consultations with the community. WD's OLA, Section 41 team continues to work in partnership with federal, provincial, municipal and community organizations ensuring OLMC interests are met.

Further, the Department pursued an external evaluation of the 2000-2004 Official Languages Act (OLA), Action Plan for the Implementation of Section 41. The evaluation addressed issues of relevance, success and effectiveness, including strengths and weaknesses, of the implementation and outcomes of WD's Action Plan. Findings from the evaluation were used to analyze how WD delivers its programs under Section 41. Although not yet finalized, the draft recommendations showed the Department how it could improve the 2004-2008 Action Plan.

Among the findings:

• A number of projects are expected to produce long-term results benefiting community and economic development, such as the "Corridor touristique francophone de l'Ouest" and "La Maison du Bourgeois"; and,
• Respondents agree that the Action Plan has contributed to the development of better business skills and more informed entrepreneurs.

For recommendations, the draft report suggests:

• The need for a communications strategy;
• Clarification of roles for the Department, its officers and the FEDO partners;
• Incorporation of promotional activities that include the FEDOs; and,
• Movement towards a more results-based Plan that incorporates a monitoring strategy, including a logic model of the Action Plan, clear outcomes and objectives statements, and a performance measurement strategy.

Many of the draft recommendations put forward are being addressed through the development of objectives, targets, and performance measures in the 2004-2008 Action Plan.

For the 2004-2008 Action Plan, WD commits to four key activities:

• Communicate the Action Plan by promoting concepts, activities, and achievements of Section 41 within and external to the department.
• Build partnerships with other departments and stakeholders, establishing new partnership with other intergovernmental groups and stakeholders to address priorities identified by the OLMC.
• Provide support to Francophone Economic Development Organizations (FEDOs).
• Provide support to projects with Official Languages Minority Communities (OLMC).

The Department dedicates a Regional Coordinator from each province and a National Coordinator from the Headquarters Office, for operational and strategic implementation of the official languages program. In addition, from WD's most senior ranks, the Deputy Minister in Edmonton, the Official Languages Champion/Assistant Deputy Minister and the Director General of Operations located in Ottawa, provide further support the Section 41 team.

Spirit and commitment to serve are the keys to building a vibrant and sustainable Francophone economic development community. WD is eager to implement the 2004-2008 Action Plan and will endeavour to create an environment of respect for linguistic duality. Western Economic Diversification Canada's (WD) Official Languages Act (OLA) Action Plan for the Implementation of Section 41 2004-2008 is an essential element of our broader vision of "A Stronger West, A Stronger Canada".