Appendix B: Evaluation of Action Plan 2000 – 2004

(Excepts from the Evaluation of WD's Official Languages, Section 41 Action Plan 2000-2004)

Objective and Scope of the Evaluation

This evaluation was initiated for two purposes. First, it is intended to meet accountability requirements to Canadian Heritage, which requests that each Department Action Plan be evaluated upon its expiry. As such, the evaluation will identify and report on WD's success in achieving its objectives as stated in its Action Plan 2000-2004, and on the challenges, gaps, and future undertakings with regards to the implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act.

The second purpose of this evaluation is to provide timely, useful, relevant and credible information on the continued relevance of the department's implementation of the Official Languages Action Plan, Section 41. This information will guide WD's Official Languages Section 41 team, managers and other stakeholders in developing the Official Languages Action Plan 2004-2008.

Evaluation questions addressed by this evaluation encompass the issues of relevance, success and effectiveness, including strengths and weaknesses, of the implementation and outcomes of WD's Official Languages Action Plan.

In particular, the evaluation covers the following questions:

Were the goals and targets developed clear and measurable?
Were the targets meaningful, realistic and attainable?
Were the targets met? Why? Or why not?
What were the outcomes and/or barriers?
What were the contributions or partnerships contributing to Section 41 of the OLA?
What has the department learned overall?
What needs to be addressed in the Action Plan for 2004-2008?
Were the resources employed to ensure the Plan's implementation the most appropriate and efficient?

Methodology

This evaluation was based on 30 key informant interviews with WD representatives, FEDO representatives, and stakeholders from other federal departments and the communities. Methodologies also included a documentation review and site visits in the four FEDOs. Fieldwork was conducted between September and November 2003.

Findings and Observations

The evaluation is still in draft stages at the writing of the Action Plan. WD will not be releasing the findings or recommendations at this time, but will report its' contents and finding in the Department's 2004-2005 progress report which will be posted on the WD website at www.wd.gc.ca upon completion.

As an initial summary, WD has seen success in the implementation of the 2000-2004 Action Plan. There are areas to improve upon, which will be addressed in the 2004-08 Action Plan. Some initial information used to develop the Action Plan is that WD should address the limited communications with regards to Section 41, internally and externally to the department. Other initial comments are that a proper evaluation framework needs to be in place, including performance measurements and a monitoring strategy. In addition, comments were that WD coordinators are challenged by a heavy workload and that more support should be providing to address continuously expanding workloads. As well, the Department needs to establish clear roles for WD and its officers, the partners and other OLMC stakeholders.

The evaluation's draft report did indicate some very noteworthy successes for WD. One of these successes focuses on the development of better business skills and better-informed entrepreneurs. Another positive comment is that economic development projects had provided concrete results for Francophone communities. Informants interviewed stated there is significant strengthening of the relationship between WD and the Francophone communities in many cases. Respondents generally agree that WD plays a pro-active role in collective federal department activities regarding Francophone communities. Another positive outcome of the Action Plan is that a number of projects are expected to produce long-term results, such as the Corridor touristique francophone de l'Ouest (CTFO) across the West and La Maison du Bourgeois in Manitoba.

Overall, WD is said to be successful in its implementation of the Action Plan. The evaluation indicates that WD's existing partnerships have been effective in implementation of Section 41 in the West. WD looks forward to the continuing those partnerships and establishing new relationships to address OLMC needs.

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