Management
a) An accountability framework, an action plan and accountability mechanisms are in place |
There is no OL accountability framework or action plan. However, in the Official Languages (OL) Policy of 1994 (which has not yet been updated), there is a description of the NAC's commitment with respect to the services it offers to the public and to the establishment of a work environment that is conducive to the use of both official languages. The NAC is currently in the process of updating its OL Policy.
An Action Plan (2004–2006) for the implementation of section 41 of the OLA was prepared. It covers French theatre, regional programming and English theatre. |
|
| b) Visibility of official languages in the organization |
OL are reflected in the key document entitled Restoring
our Vision 2001–2006. OL are also reflected in the NAC's Annual Report, especially the Théâtre français.
The functional authority for OL provides monthly updates to the OL Champion, who is a member of the Executive Committee. They are planning to create an HR/OL Committee next year.
Each year, a status report on equity, OL and multiculturalism
is presented to the Board of Trustees. Co-ordination of all sections of
the OLA is good. OL are not yet integrated into internal audit. |
|
| c) Complaints |
Complaints are forwarded to the OL co-ordinator. Key managers
are involved in finding solutions. There are very few complaints. Lessons
learned are shared with all sectors. |
|
Service to the public - Part IV
a) Bilingual services advertised to the public and sufficient bilingual staff |
Bilingual services are advertised in Burolis and in the
blue pages. All signs are bilingual. People who serve the
public are bilingual. All three NAC Web sites are bilingual. |
|
| b) Findings on active offer and service delivery |
According to observations on in-person service made by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages in the fall of 2004, active visual offer was present in 100% of cases; active offer by attendants was made in 100% of cases, while service in the language of the minority was adequate all the time.
The results of the 2004 telephone service audit conducted by the Public Service Human Resources Management Agency showed that active offer of service was made on telephone answering machines 100% of the time.
Because of the limited nature of the sampling, it was not possible to compile data on the availability of services and on active offer by staff. |
|
| c) The service agreements delivered by third parties or in partnership provide for the delivery of bilingual services |
In the contractual agreements with third parties, there is a clause for the delivery of bilingual services. There is no verification of services provided by third parties. |
|
| d) Bilingual services quality monitoring |
Employees are informed of the requirement to offer services in both OL during the orientation session, among other things. A copy of the OL policy is given to new employees. Supervisors do verifications. |
|
Language of work - Part V
a) Adequate bilingual supervision and language of work policy |
According to the most recent OL review (data as of 31 December 2003), all supervisors in bilingual positions met the linguistic requirements of their positions.
The NAC has an official languages policy that includes language of work. The OL stakeholders intend to update it. There are support measures such as language training, translation, and correction. |
|
| b) Use of each language in the workplace |
All learning and development courses are given in the language of choice and bilingual courses are substituted when participation in either language is below the minimum requirement. All work tools are bilingual. Agendas and minutes of meetings are in both OL. Internal communications are in both OL.
Meetings of the management committee and supporting documentation are in both OL.
Employees are encouraged to use the official language of their choice, particularly during meetings. A copy of the OL policy that addresses language of work is given to new employees.
There is no monitoring of the application of the language of work policy. There are no reminders to managers of their responsibility in this regard. |
|
Equitable participation - Part VI
a) Percentage of Francophone participation throughout Canada |
According to the latest OL review (data as of 31 December 2003), staff, located entirely in the NCR, is composed 35.5% of Francophones.
|
|
| b) Percentage of Anglophone participation in Quebec |
There are no offices in Quebec. All staff is located in the NCR. |
N/A |
Development of minority language communities and promotion of linguistic duality - Part VII
a) Strategic planning and the development of policies and programs take into account the development of minority language communities |
The NAC takes into account the development of minority
language communities. To that end, it continued to develop
theatre within Francophone minority communities through
its Regional Theatre Development
Program. This program, which stems from the NAC's national
mandate, assists in the development of the performing arts
throughout the country. Through
this program, the NAC funded 10 projects from 8 companies
working in 5 provinces.
The National Arts Centre is also part of the Agreement for the Development
of Francophone Arts and Culture in Canada, as well as the Joint Theatre
Forum co-ordinated by the Interdepartmental Co-ordination Directorate
of the Department of Canadian Heritage. It plays an active role in organizing
the Biennale du théâtre
en région (provisional title), the next edition of which is planned for this Spring. This event, which replaced the Festival du théâtre des régions, will be hosted by the NAC's Théâtre français. The revised format of this event will provide greater quality, relevance and benefits.
Employees are informed of the needs of communities during their orientation session.
Advertisements are not always placed in major print media in both OL. Minority language newspapers are chosen when events concerning OL minorities are advertised. Advertisements were placed in minority language newspapers in Atlantic Canada announcing the Atlantic Scene, which featured local artists. Next project for the NAC: Alberta Scene.
The NAC presents a wide range of variety programs. It does not exercise control over the artistic content of programs. The NAC does, however, have as an objective increasing its share of the Francophones market, which is smaller than the percentage of Francophones in the national capital region (NCR). |
|
| b) Strategic planning and the development of policies and programs take into account the promotion of linguistic duality |
Within the NAC, strategic planning and the development
of policies and programs generally take into account the
promotion of linguistic duality. The institution must take concrete measures
to augment
the proportion of French language advertisements in the
brochure Prelude to
better reflect the demographics of the NCR. Prelude is distributed
to the NAC patrons attending music, theatre and dance performances.
Presently, advertisements inserted in the brochure are almost exclusively
in English.
In 2002–2003, the NAC introduced community programming at the Fourth Stage. A series of six shows called Les vendredis de la chanson was produced in co-operation with the Association des professionnels(les) de la chanson et de la musique de L'Ontario. The Fourth Stage also hosted Les contes nomades,
a series of five shows featuring stories and legends that were broadcast
by Rogers (Cable 23). In addition, a number of CD launches for minority
Francophone artists were held at the NAC. As well, the NAC established
partnerships with Contact Ontarois, the Coup de cœur francophone, Rogers
(Cable 23) and Radio-Canada to broadcast the program Bande à part, which features Francophone artists from the National Capital Region. The NAC also hosted the closing night of Contact Ontarois, presented by Réseau Ontario.
The NAC continues to look for a variety of presentations that appeal to both linguistic groups.
No example of initiatives to promote linguistic duality within the institution was provided. |
|
| OVERALL RATING |
|
