Summary of CIDA's Main Achievements in the Implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act During 2008-2009

Federal department/organization: Canadian International Development Agency
Address: 200 Promenade du Portage, Gatineau K1A 0G4
Website: http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca

Minister: Hon. Beverley Oda

Official Languages Champion: Diane Jacovella as of November 2008, Gilles Rivard prior to November 2008

Mandate of the federal department/agency:

CIDA's purpose is to reduce poverty and to contribute to a more secure, equitable, and prosperous world. CIDA works with development partners, fragile states and countries in crisis, selected countries and regions, Canadian institutions, and Canadians. CIDA's partners also include multilateral and international organizations. In Canada, CIDA carries out its mandate in partnership with various levels of government, institutions such as non-governmental organizations and private businesses, universities and colleges, labour unions, professional associations, youth, and churches.

National coordinator for the implementation of Section 41: Nicole LaBossiere

Exact title: Program Policy Analyst
Mailing address: Canadian Partnership Branch

E-mail: nicole.labossiere@acdi-cida.gc.ca

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Summary of 2008-2009 Achievements

Awareness

Messages distributed to employees concerning CIDA's responsibilities with regard to official language minority communities (OLMCs) and increasing bilingualism in Canada.

Contribution to the Winter 2009 edition of Bulletin 41-42,and copies made available to employees.

News release concerning issues associated with the promotion of bilingualism.

Action plan and work team to promote the official languages and the vitality of OLMCs at CIDA.

Information sessions provided for all staff.

Consultation and events

International Cooperation Days (ICD)
International forum for CIDA's partners, including organizations affiliated with OLMCs. The event attracts more than 1,000 participants every two years, including civil-society leaders, university scholars, private-sector representatives, and international development specialists, who share their ideas and form networks.

19th International Development Week (IDW)
Participants came from all over Canada. The Minister emphasized the outstanding contribution of civil society and the private sector to international development and partnerships among development stakeholders, including OLMCs.

The Prairies Regional Office supported a Franco-Manitoban organization in submitting a project proposal. The Atlantic Regional Office liaised with Université de Moncton, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), and collaborated on the 25th anniversary of international development at the Bathurst campus of the NBCC. The Pacific Regional Office helped to organize the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie.

Communications

Publication of an article on CIDA's support for the 4th World Youth Congress in Quebec City, in which 12 OLMCs participated.

Publication of monthly newsletters and thousands of bilingual publications regarding international development programs and issues, distributed annually by the regional offices through job fairs, meetings, and events that may be of interest to OLMCs.

CIDA posts bilingual information about business opportunities on MERX.

Our previous reports are available on CIDA's website in both official languages.

CIDA made no minority-language media purchases.

Coordination and liaison

Meetings with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and Canadian Heritage to exchange best practices in supporting OLMCs.

Meetings took place with national coordinators and international cooperation coordinators, to share experiences and to determine how to implement best practices.

Cooperation between CIDA regional offices and the Regional Federal Councils, strengthened by the Pacific Regional Office, a member of the Official Languages Committee of the Pacific Federal Council.

Funding of programs and services

Office for Democratic Governance projects: Research on democratic governance in Peru and Bolivia (McGill University); support for Indonesian Islamic universities in promoting religious tolerance and community development (McGill University); education and justice in Mali (University of Ottawa).

Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP): scholarships distributed over 22 universities and 10 colleges (76 percent in Quebec, 24 percent outside Quebec); 12 new scholarship holders admitted to universities and colleges affiliated with OLMCs; four of the 14 members of the 2008-2009 selection committee represented institutions affiliated with OLMCs.

Youth Program: Supported the 4th World Youth Congress in Quebec City.

Development Information Program: Funded some 20 bilingual communication products of national scope.

Accountability

Achievement Report and Three-Year Action Plan.

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Detailed Report on Results

A. Raising awareness (in-house activities)

Targeted outcome: Introduction of a sustainable change in CIDA's corporate culture: All employees know and understand their responsibilities with regard to Section 41 of the Official Languages Act (OLA).

Activities carried out to achieve the targeted outcome	Outputs	Progress made in achieving the targeted outcome
Disseminate Section 41 of the OLA to employees and senior managers, and raise their awareness of the need to promote linguistic duality. As the coordinator of CIDA's participation in the Francophone Summit in Quebec City, CIDA's Francophonie Program continued to make its CIDA partners aware of the importance of promoting the growth of Francophone minorities in Canada when making decisions that involve funding activities by Canadian and international organizations.	Publication of implications of Section 41 for CIDA on CIDA's intranet site, Entre Nous Distribution of print and electronic copies of Bulletin 41-42. Building a team to submit articles for publication in Bulletin 41-42. Publication by the Official Languages Champion of a message, during the launch of the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie (RVF) in the Public Service of Canada, to promote CIDA's active participation. Participation of the Pacific Regional Office in organizing the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie. The Francophonie Program helped to hold the 53rd ministerial session of the Conference of Education Ministers of Countries Using French as a Common Language (CONFEMEN) in New Brunswick.	Managers and employees better know and understand their responsibilities with regard to Section 41 of the OLA and official language minority communities (OLMC). CIDA employees are more aware of the importance of promoting the growth of Canada's Francophone minorities when making decisions that involve funding the activities of Canadian and international organizations. The Program helped promote the vitality of the French fact in New Brunswick, and fostered contacts between Francophone minorities and La Francophonie's major institutions.

B. Consultation

Targeted outcome: Establishment of sustainable relations between CIDA and OLMCs to ensure mutual understanding of their respective needs and mandates

Activities carried out to achieve the targeted outcome	Outputs	Progress made in achieving the targeted outcome
Sharing of information with OLMCs with international interests, especially youth engagement, media outreach, and the issues of La Francophonie	Exchange of information between CIDA and four OLMCs targeted for their international commitment: the Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne française (FJCF), the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadiennes (FCFA), the Association des universités de la francophonie canadienne (AUFC) and the Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada (ARC)	Close and sustainable relations are established among targeted OLMCs. Members understand their respective needs and mandates. Knowledge regarding the experiences and needs of these OLMCs influences the adoption of guidelines and the development of policies, publications, and tools.
CIDA events are excellent opportunities to exchange knowledge and information with various organizations interested in international development, including OLMCs.	International Cooperation Days were organized, bringing together civil- society and private-sector organizations in November 2008. Organization of the 2009 edition of International Development Week, February 1-7, 2009. Involvement of CIDA regional offices in organizing the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie.	Liaison between CIDA and organizations interested in international development.

C. Communications

Targeted outcome: The OLMC culture reflects an updated understanding of CIDA's mandate. OLMCs receive relevant and up-to-date information regarding CIDA programs and services.

Activities carried out to achieve the targeted outcome	Outputs	Progress made in achieving the targeted outcome
Regional offices offer information sessions on CIDA programs.	In 2008-2009, the Pacific Office provided information on CIDA's programs and mandate, through leaflets and other promotional tools at job fairs. In September 2008, the Pacific Office organized information sessions on the Voluntary Sector Fund. Eleven OLMC organizations took part in these sessions. The Pacific Office also met with the Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB) and provided information on programs that might be of interest to Federation members.	OLMC members have access to information regarding CIDA programs.
Publication of bilingual newsletters by CIDA regional offices.	CIDA news mailed monthly to a list of organizations, including OLMCs.	OLMCs are aware of CIDA activities and business opportunities.
Communication, in both official languages, of business opportunities at CIDA.	Use of a bilingual tool (MERX) accessible to OLMCs.	OLMCs have greater access to CIDA business opportunities.
Publication of all information on CIDA's website, in both official languages. CIDA reports from the previous year. In particular, the Results-Based Action Plan - Implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act 2008-2009 and the Results-Based Status Report - Implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act 2007-2008 were published on CIDA's website in the "Publications/Reports" section.	Use of both official languages for the website's content.	Canadians and OLMCs have ongoing access to relevant information about CIDA activities, in both official languages.

D. Coordination and liaison

Targeted outcome: Cooperation with multiple partners to foster the development and growth of OLMCs and to exchange best practices

Activities carried out to achieve the targeted outcome	Outputs	Progress made in achieving the targeted outcome
CIDA participation in multiple government forums.	In 2008-2009, CIDA took part in meetings of national coordinators, as well as in forums of official languages champions.	Cooperation with various partners to promote the development of OLMCs and discuss good practices.
Participation, by invitation, in meetings of federal organizations with an international component.	In 2008, the coordinator for the implementation of Section 41 at CIDA took part in a meeting of government departments with an international component, including Foreign Affairs, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and Canadian Heritage.	Identification of best practices on common issues, such as La Francophonie and youth engagement at the international level.
Cooperation between regional offices and Regional Federal Councils.	The Pacific Regional Office is a member of the Pacific Federal Council Official Languages Committee and took part in organizing the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie.	Increased cooperation between CIDA and other levels of government.

E. Funding for programs and services

Targeted outcome: OLMCs are part of CIDA's regular clientele and have adequate access to its programs and services.

Activities carried out to achieve the targeted outcome	Outputs	Progress made in achieving the targeted outcome
CIDA calls on various organizations, including OLMCs, to carry out its international development projects and programs. CIDA supports international development initiatives accessible to organizations interested in international development, including OLMCs.	In 2008-2009, McGill University benefited from several CIDA programs, including funding from the Ukraine, Indonesia, Peru, Bolivia, and Middle East programs. The University of Ottawa partnered in several development initiatives in Mali and in the Balkans. The Dieppe campus, New Brunswick Community College, is carrying out an education project in Mali. The Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program distributed scholarships over 22 universities and 10 colleges in Canada, including 76 percent in Quebec and 24 percent outside Quebec. In FY 2008-2009, colleges and universities affiliated with the following official language minority communities (OLMC) admitted CFSP scholars. In New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, New Brunswick Community College, Université Sainte-Anne and Université de Moncton admitted a total of 46 students, including 10 new students in 2008. In Alberta and Manitoba, Faculté St-Jean and Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface admitted 9 students, including no new students in 2008. In Ontario, 20 students (including two new students in 2008) were distributed among five post-secondary institutions in the province: La Cité collégiale, University of Ottawa, Laurentian University, Glendon College, and Collège Boréal. Note that 4 of the 14 CFSP 2008-2009 Selection Committee members represented colleges and universities associated with OLMCs: a representative from Université de Moncton and one from the Bathurst campus, New Brunswick Community College; one from Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia; and one from Glendon College in Ontario. Another example is the support granted by CIDA's Youth Program to the IVième Sommet mondial des jeunes in Quebec City in August 2008. As an active contributor to federal government initiatives in connection with celebrations of Quebec City's 400th anniversary and the Sommet de la Francophonie, the Francophonie program encouraged Francophone delegates from developing countries to participate in various major events. Their presence at various events ― such as the École d'été de l'Institut du Nouveau Monde (INM) and the Rendez-vous de la coopération canadienne et québécoise dans la Francophonie ― allowed representatives of Francophone communities across Canada to take part in these events and to strengthen or establish new international relations. CIDA's Development Information Program supported about 20 communication products targeting Canadians, including a few produced by OLMCs. Most projects are national in scope, and there was a sustained effort to distribute these in both of Canada's official languages, including to minority groups. For example: • The film The Forgotten Woman / La femme oubliée, by Hamilton Mehta Productions Inc., was broadcast across Canada in English and in French, on TV5 in French, on OMNI in English, and by Mongrel Media Theatrical. Distribution in both languages. • Plan Nagua prepared and managed educational resources and information sessions titled "Jeunes d'action pour un monde de solutions," presented in French to about 2,000 students in New Brunswick, with the support of the Association professionnelle des enseignantes et des francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick and the Conseil d'éducation du District scolaire 03-Grand-Sault. • The Social Justice Committee of Montreal prepared and managed educational resources and information sessions titled "A Different World: An Educational Tool," which were presented in English to about 10,000 Montréal students, with the support of Montreal's two Anglophone school boards.	OLMCs were involved as executing agencies for CIDA projects. Students from Francophone countries learned about life in official language minority communities in Canada. Students in official language minority communities learned about life in developing Francophone countries and increased their interest in international development. Representatives of Francophone communities across Canada took part in these events, and were able to strengthen or establish new international relations. They were thus able to promote their vitality and skills, to open a window on the world, and to expand their influence. Official language minority community members know more about international development issues. The Development Information Program supported the activities of certain official language minority groups, which have access to CIDA programs and services.

F. Accountability

Targeted outcome: Full mainstreaming of OLA Section 41 and OLMC views in CIDA policies, programs, and services. The accountability structure, internal assessments, and policy reviews make it possible to determine how to better integrate OLMC views.

Activities carried out to achieve the targeted outcome	Outputs	Progress made in achieving the targeted outcome
CIDA participation in multiple government forums.	Production of the report on the implementation of Section 41 2008-2009 and of the three-year plan. Upcoming establishment of a new internal advisory committee on official languages, and of a new action plan	Better mainstreaming of OLMC views and of OLA Section 41 in strategic planning.

Communication Plan

Distribution List

When this report is published on the Internet, CIDA will advise the following groups, chosen because they are stakeholders with CIDA in these matters:

• Clerk of the Standing Committee on Official Languages of the House of Commons
• Clerk of the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages
• Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
• Provincial and territorial councils
• Umbrella organizations:
  
  
  • Association des universités de la francophonie canadienne (AUFC)
  • Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC)
  • Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC)
  • Fédération des communautés francophones et acadiennes du Canada (FCFA)
  • Québec Community Groups Network (QCGN)
  • Canadian Manufacturers' Association
  • Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française
  • Alliance des radios communautaires