National consultations on Cooperation with the Community Sector

From October 13 to December 7, the Department of Canadian Heritage held a series of consultations in each province and territory regarding the future directions of the Department’s co-operation with official-language minority communities. The consultations focussed particularly on the program subcomponent entitled Cooperation with the Community Sector, the primary mechanism for supporting community networks. Community and institutional representatives as well as representatives from the educational and business communities were invited to participate in one of the 17 consultations.

Background and purpose of the consultations

The purpose of the consultations is to maximize the impact of co-operation between the Department and the communities, the benefits of programs under the Official Languages Support Programs Branch (OLSPB) within the communities, as well as the leveraging these programs may have on other public and community partners. Significant progress was made between 1994 and 2004, during the program’s two cycles. Not only were new community organizations created and institutional networks strengthened, but also the co-operation between the various departments that support official-language communities now makes it possible to develop new partnerships and improve some public services.

Canada’s demographic profile is changing, and so is the face of official-language minority communities. It is therefore important to review how the Department of Canadian Heritage supports these communities.

Conduct of the consultations

To look at how we can strengthen co-operation between the Department and the communities, leaders from community and institutional networks and opinion leaders took part in the consultations through deliberative dialogue. This facilitation method, which has been used for a number of years, helps to identify complex issues and understand the different views expressed. The 455 participants particularly appreciated the facilitation process, which allowed them to express their opinions and hear other people’s views. The participants rated their satisfaction with the consultation session at 4.46 on average [out of 5].

Each of the sessions helped identify the fundamental values of the relationship that should exist between the community sector and the Department and to develop the foundations and principles for implementing a co-operation mechanism. Cross-sectoral themes emerged from the sessions, with significant variations reflecting regional differences and levels of development.

Signing of Collaboration Accords

Drawing on the results of the consultations, the Department and leaders of official-language minority community organizations have concluded Collaboration Accords.

Summary report

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