This policy takes effect on August 1, 2006. It amends and replaces the former Communications Policy of the Government of Canada that went into effect on April 1, 2002,
and was subsequently amended on November 29, 2004.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that communications across the Government of Canada are well co‑ordinated, effectively managed and responsive to the
diverse information needs of the public.
It is the policy of the Government of Canada to:
- Provide the public with timely, accurate, clear, objective and complete information about its policies, programs, services and initiatives. In the
Canadian system of parliamentary democracy and responsible government, the government has a duty to explain its policies and decisions, and to inform the public of its
priorities for the country. Information is necessary for Canadians – individually or through representative groups or Members of Parliament – to
participate actively and meaningfully in the democratic process. It is required for access to government programs and services. The public has a right to such
information.
- Communicate in English and in French. The Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedoms establishes the equal status of English and French as the two official languages of Canada. It enshrines the right of the public to communicate with
the Government of Canada in either language. Communications with the public and services to the public must be provided in both languages as required by the
Official Languages Act. The Act affirms the government's commitment to enhance the vitality of the
English and French linguistic minority communities in Canada – supporting and assisting their development – and to foster the full recognition and use of
both English and French in Canadian society.
- Ensure that institutions of the Government of Canada are visible, accessible and accountable to the public they serve. To be accessible and
accountable, the government and its institutions must be visible and recognizable wherever they are present. Clear identification allows the public to see the
government at work, to access its programs and services, and to assess its activities. Communicating through many channels – from service centres, the telephone
and mail to print and broadcast media, the Internet and World Wide Web – the government must identify itself in a distinct, consistent way the public can
recognize in all circumstances.
- Employ a variety of ways and means to communicate, and provide information in multiple formats to accommodate diverse needs. Government
information must be broadly accessible throughout society. The needs of all Canadians, whose perceptual or physical abilities and language skills are diverse, must be
recognized and accommodated. Information must be accessible so citizens, as responsible members of a democratic community, may be aware of, understand, respond to and
influence the development and implementation of policies, programs, services and initiatives. Information must be available in multiple formats to ensure equal access.
All means of communication – from traditional methods to new technologies – must be used to reach and communicate with Canadians wherever they may reside.
Modern government requires the capacity to respond effectively over multiple channels in a 24‑hour, global communications environment.
- Identify and address communication needs and issues routinely in the development, implementation and evaluation of policies, programs, services and
initiatives. Communication enables the exchange of information Canadians and their government rely upon for an effective partnership. Gathering and providing
information of importance to the public, government and the democratic process requires professional tools and resources, and effective, accountable management.
Internal and external communication requirements must be identified and met when planning, managing or reviewing policies, programs, services or initiatives.
Responsible use of public funds to obtain maximum value for taxpayer investments is a fundamental requirement in all communication activities.
- Consult the public, listen to and take account of people's interests and concerns when establishing priorities, developing policies, and planning programs
and services. The government's obligation to reach out and communicate with citizens is concomitant with the right of citizens to address and be heard by
their government. In a democracy, listening to the public, researching, evaluating and addressing the needs of citizens is critical to the work of government. The
government must learn as much as possible about public needs and expectations to respond to them effectively. The dialogue between citizens and their government must
be continuous, open, inclusive, relevant, clear, secure and reliable. Communication is a two‑way process.
- Deliver prompt, courteous and responsive service that is sensitive to the needs and concerns of the public and respectful of individual rights.
Information services must be managed in a citizen‑centred and client‑focused manner that achieves results for Canadians. Timely and convenient access to
government information and services must be available to the public. Access to information and privacy rights, as well as language rights, must be honoured at all
times. Canadians value freedom, openness, security, caring and respect. It is important for their government to communicate in a spirit that reflects those
values.
- Encourage public service managers and employees to communicate openly with the public about policies, programs, services and initiatives they are familiar
with and for which they have responsibility. Openness in government promotes accessibility and accountability. It enables informed public participation in the
formulation of policy, ensures fairness in decision making, and enables the public to assess performance. An open and democratic government implies that all employees
have a role in communicating with the public while respecting the constitution and laws of Canada. Public service managers and employees must respect privacy rights,
matters before the courts, national security, Cabinet confidences and ministerial responsibility. They serve the public interest best by communicating openly and
responsively about policies, programs, services and initiatives they help to administer, while treating sensitive information with the discretion it requires.
- Safeguard Canadians' trust and confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the Public Service of Canada. Canadians value an independent,
professional Public Service that treats individuals with respect, fairness and integrity. The value and reputation of public institutions must be honoured. Public
service managers and employees are expected to provide information services in a non‑partisan fashion consistent with the principles of parliamentary democracy
and ministerial responsibility.
- Ensure all institutions of the Government of Canada work collaboratively to achieve coherent and effective communications with the public. As a
core activity and shared responsibility touching all aspects of policy and program administration, the communications function involves employees throughout the
government working collaboratively. Co‑ordination within, between and among institutions is imperative to ensure coherent and consistent communications
government‑wide. Delivering information services in the best interests of Canadians and their government, meeting internal and external communication needs
efficiently and effectively, is a co‑operative endeavour.
This policy is issued under the authority of the Financial Administration Act (FAA), Section 7, and applies to
all institutions of the Government of Canada identified in Schedules I, I.1 and II of the Act. All other public institutions subject to the FAA, particularly Crown
corporations identified in Schedule III (Parts 1 and 2), are encouraged to become familiar with this policy and to apply its principles to their own communications
management.
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