Report on Results 2009-2010 Implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act
D. Coordination and Liason
Expected Result
Co-operation with multiple partners to enhance OLMC development and vitality and to share best practices.
Activity carried out to achieve the expected result
Alberta’s Section 41 coordinator sits on the Alberta region’s interdepartmental committee of Section 41 coordinators.
Output
On October 16, 2009, Alberta’s Section 41 coordinator participated in the interdepartmental meeting of the Alberta region’s Section 41 coordinators, which was titled “Inter-Action avec l'Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta (ACFA).”
Progress made in achieving the expected result
ACFA recognizes the collaboration that is taking place between the various federal departments by sharing their best practices regarding the implementation of Section 41 of the OLA.
Activity carried out to achieve the expected result
The Atlantic region’s Section 41 coordinator participated in an interdepartmental working committee to organize a day of discussion with the community.
Outputs
- Through its regional Section 41 coordinator, the Department of Justice participated in the tripartite forum organized by the interdepartmental working committee. The forum brought together the federal and provincial governments and Nova Scotia’s francophone community.
- Fact sheets explaining the implementation of Section 41 within the Department of Justice were distributed.
Progress made in achieving the expected result
Most of the 130 community participants in attendance were unaware of the existence of regional Section 41 coordinators in Nova Scotia. The participants are now aware of the existence of this network and have the contact information of key people involved in implementing Section 41 and details of the Department’s initiatives under its action plan for implementing Section 41.
Activity carried out to achieve the expected result
On October 15, 2009, Ontario’s new regional coordinator participated in the interdepartmental meeting of the Ontario region’s Section 41 coordinators.
Output
She established ties with representatives of the National Film Board, the Canada Revenue Agency, Service Canada, Public Works and Government Services Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Canadian Heritage. The various partners discussed the need to strengthen interdepartmental actions in Ontario.
Progress made in achieving the expected result
The participants said that it would be worthwhile holding an interdepartmental meeting annually. The meeting could be linked to the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario’s Annual General Meeting to sustain the momentum. Also, to prepare for this meeting, the participants agreed to hold two preparatory meetings every year to organize and agree on priorities, and discuss the contents of this large meeting. More and more of the various federal agencies in Ontario are pooling their strengths and coordinating their priorities in implementing Section 41.
Activities carried out to achieve the expected result
The Quebec region’s Section 41 coordinator sits on the Bar of Montreal’s Committee on access to justice in English.
The Bar of Montreal’s committee is a joint committee that includes judges, jurists and judicial administrators.
Output
He participated in the Bar of Montreal’s Committee on access to justice in English for the first time on December 9.
Progress made in achieving the expected result
- The participants discussed training for support positions and the number of English-speaking clerks and translators in the Greater Montreal Area.
- They shared best practices on how to obtain more training and financial assistance for these people. The Department of Justice continues to work with this Committee.
Activities carried out to achieve the expected result
Following discussions with stakeholders from the federal agencies involved, the Security and Justice Network identified a priority client group within francophone minority communities, i.e. vulnerable young Francophones at risk of becoming involved in the justice system.
Five Security and Justice Network meetings were held to organize a forum on the issue of vulnerable young Francophones.
Output
A forum on vulnerable young Francophones at risk of becoming involved with the justice system was held on October 23, 2009.
Progress made in achieving the expected result
- Department of Justice Canada, National Defence, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Heritage, Public Safety and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada identified a common program target group, vulnerable young Francophones at risk of becoming involved in the justice system.
- Spokespeople for grassroots organizations, community organizations from official language minority communities and members of the Security and Justice Network met for the first time to begin a dialogue with organizations that work with the target group.
Activity carried out to achieve the expected result
Ensured national coordination within the interdepartmental network of national coordinators responsible for implementing Section 41 of the Official Languages Act.
Output
The national coordinator participated in three meetings of the interdepartmental network.
Progress made in achieving the expected result
The federal agencies covered by Canadian Heritage with respect to implementing Section 41 of the OLA are familiar with the Department of Justice, since it participates actively in the various meetings.
Activity carried out to achieve the expected result
The Office of La Francophonie managed the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages.
Output
Two meetings of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages were held.
Progress made in achieving the expected result
Exerted influence over the provinces and territories in the development of Communities in the justice sector by raising awareness within the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group.
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