MAY 2009
Federal institution:
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
644 Main Street
Post Office Box 6051
Moncton, New Brunswick
E1C 9J8
Website:
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Ministers responsible:
The Honourable Peter G. MacKay, P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, P.C., M.P.
Senior officials and managers responsible for implementation of section 41 of OLA:
President Monique Collette
Executive Vice-President Paul J. LeBlanc
OL ADM Committee Hermel Vienneau
OL Champion Alex Smith
Manager Kurt Inder
General mandate of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency:
“To increase opportunity for economic development in Atlantic Canada and, more particularly, to enhance the growth of earned incomes and employment opportunities in that region.”
National coordinator responsible for implementation of section 41:
Ghislaine Savoie
Community Development Officer
506-851-7953
ghislaine.savoie@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Regional coordinators:
Marie Thibeault
Account Manager
506-452-3999
Marie.thibeault@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Stéphane Cyr
Account Manager
902-742-0809
Stephane.cyr@acoa-apeca.gc.a
Geoffrey Allen
Development Officer
902-566-7430
Geoffrey.allen@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Wayne Quilty
Manager, ACOA Field Operations
709-637-4478
Wayne.quilty@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Summary of the progress made by ACOA in 2008–2009
Through its activities related to the implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act, ACOA contributes to enhancing the vitality of official language minority communities (OLMCs) in the Atlantic provinces via economic development. This objective is attained by the various initiatives led by the Agency, as well as by financial support to projects proposed by OLMCs that relate to ACOA’s mandate. During the fiscal year 2008-2009, ACOA invested $9.7 million in new projects aimed at economic development in official language minority communities.
Awareness
During the fiscal year 2008-2009, ACOA focused its awareness activities on sharing information on the Official Languages Act with all employees through the Agency’s intranet site, via the initiative French Wednesdays and through training sessions and regular staff meetings. The Integrated Official Languages Committee continues to hold meetings to share all official languages information within the Agency. A presentation was made to senior management on the developments in the official languages file within the regular Agency programming and also on the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) component of the Roadmap for Canada’s Linguistic Duality 2008-2013.
Consultations
For a number of years, Agency employees have been involved in the economic development of communities across Atlantic Canada. Their presence facilitates the collaboration between ACOA and the various organizations working in a community. It also enables sharing of views on priorities and facilitates discussion to develop potential solutions within the Agency’s mandate. As a result, ACOA employees have built a number of partnerships within communities and continue to work closely with each of them. The working committee of RDÉE Atlantique/ACOA continues their efforts to strengthen the partnership in the development of official language minority communities. Under the EDI, ACOA has done a series of consultation with the OLMCs.
Communications
In order to communicate the activities related to the implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act, ACOA’s Official Languages Action Plan and Reports on Achievements are available on the Agency’s website. Along with other Agency information, the plan is available in both official languages. The Agency also publishes program information in the French-language print and audio visual media. In this way, OLMCs have access to information on ACOA and its planned activities related to official languages and, at the same time, are made aware of the Agency’s efforts to enhance the vitality of their respective communities. Internal articles are also posted on the Agency’s intranet site, Rendezvous, to showcase official languages within the Agency.
Coordination and liaison
ACOA continues its participation in the national committee for coordinators responsible for the implementation of Section 41 and on the National Committee on Economic Development and Employability (RDÉE Canada). In addition to its national involvement in official languages matters, ACOA organizes regular meetings of its Official Languages Committee. Apart from the activities mentioned above, the regional coordinators participate in the Federal Council subcommittee on official languages in their respective regions. ACOA employees also participate in various forums and conferences where the priorities of official language minority communities are discussed. These include consultations with Industry Canada and Canadian Heritage on the EDI, the forum on good practices with the Public Services Agency of Canada, and regular meetings with Canadian Heritage and Industry Canada regional coordinators.
Funding and program delivery
Through its normal programming, ACOA supports OLMC projects directly related to its mandate. During the fiscal year 2008-2009, ACOA supported 73 projects for a total of $ 9,6 million.
Accountability
ACOA continues to meet its reporting requirements to the Department of Canadian Heritage, including the submission of annual reports on achievements and action plans. Information is also shared regularly between the Official Languages champion and national and regional coordinators. ACOA has focused its efforts on incorporating official languages in the Agency’s planning and evaluation processes and on the development of modules in the Agency’s client file processing systems.
Detailed report on results
A. AWARENESS
(In-house activities)
[Training, information, orientation, awareness, communication and other activities carried out in-house in order to educate employees and/or senior managers of the federal institution about linguistic duality and the priorities of OLMCs; senior manager performance contracts and recognition programs; consideration of the viewpoints of OLMCs in research, studies and investigations carried out in-house.]
Expected result:
Creation of lasting changes in federal institution organizational culture; employees and management are aware of and understand their responsibilities regarding section 41 of the Official Languages Act and OLMCs.
Activities carried out to achieve the expected result What activities were carried out during the reporting year? What was done?
Head Office:
- Presentation to senior management on the developments of the Official Languages (OL) file.
- Consultation with Senior Management and staff responsible for OL in the Renewal of the Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages 2008-2013.
- Information to employees on responsibilities under the Official Languages Act.
- Organization of information sessions and meetings with section 41 OL coordinators.
- Continuation of an Agency-wide initiative through ACOA’s Head Office and the New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island regions to increase the awareness of official languages and its importance in the Agency.
- Information on OL is published on the Agency’s intranet site.
- Organization of information sessions and meetings with the Official Languages Committee.
- Ongoing process to incorporate a compulsory OL module in the computerized management system (QAccess) for the evaluation of Agency files.
- Process to review the Official Languages Policy in the Agency’s grants and contributions policy.
- Collaboration with human resources services in resolving OL complaints.
- Collaboration with the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) and the Agency’s Champion for Official Languages.
Prince Edward Island (PEI):
- Training on the application of the OLA.
- French coffee breaks are held on a regular basis.
New Brunswick:
- French “Pause-cafés” are held on a quarterly basis.
- In partnership with the Diversity Committee, the New Brunswick OL committee presented a cultural diversity exposition highlighting francophone cultures.
- “Le client en premier!/ The customer first!” sessions offered by New Brunswick Community College-Edmondston Campus.
- Development, promotion and maintenance of OLA committee section of ACOA New Brunswick intranet site.
Newfoundland (NL):
- Maintained regular communication and shared information between the OL Coordinator and Agency staff.
- Subscribed to Newfoundland and Labrador and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon French print media.
- Participation in the ACOA Newfoundland and Labrador OL Committee.
- Participated in the ACOA OL Committee.
Nova Scotia (NS):
- Regular discussion with ACOA employees to provide information regarding their obligations under the OLA.
- Regular presentations made to field operations staff during the monthly meetings, with regard to their obligations under the OLA.
- Promotion and maintenance of the francophone section of the region’s intranet site.
- Identification of OLMC success stories, francophone culture and celebrations.
Outputs What products or services came from the activities carried out during the reporting year?
Head Office:
- Presentation to the President and Executive Vice-President on the evolution of the OL file.
- Discussion with Senior Management on delivery of the Economic Development Initiative (EDI).
- Presentation on the EDI to managers working in Community Economic Development on the EDI.
- Meeting with section 41 coordinators: June 24, 2008; November 4, 2008; January 29 and 30, 2009 and monthly conference calls.
- Ongoing “French Wednesdays” initiative sent every Wednesday to all ACOA employees.
- Articles are published on the Agency’s intranet site.
- Meetings with the Agency’s OLA Committee in June and December 2008.
- Several meetings occurred on the development of specific modules in the Agency’s internal processing system.
- Consultations with various stakeholders in the Agency in furthering this exercise.
- Regular meetings.
- Monthly conference calls.
- Regular feedback and meetings.
Prince Edward Island (PEI):
- Workshop provided by the Canada School of Public Service.
- French coffee breaks.
New Brunswick:
- Four french pause-cafés were held with different themes.
- Approximately 30 people attended.
- Two sessions were offered, one in French (29 participants) and two sessions in English (23 participants).
- Launch of the intranet site.
Newfoundland (NL):
- Twelve meetings/consultations were held.
- Subscription to “Le Gaboteur” and “L’écho des Caps”.
- One meeting was held.
- Attended the bi-annual meetings.
Nova Scotia (NS):
- Punctual discussions are held with staff.
- Monthly presentations to staff.
- The French Quarter site is maintained on the ACOA Nova Scotia’s intranet site.
- Publication of articles, part of a series to focus on OLMC community development.
- Publications on official language related subjects on both the corporate and region editions intranet sites.
Progress made in achieving the expected result What has changed as a result of the activities carried out during the reporting year?
Head Office:
- Senior Management is cognizant of the OL developments and provided input in the implementation of the EDI under the OL Roadmap: Government of Canada Action Plan for Linguistic Duality.
- Development of a framework for the implementation of the EDI.
- Managers are aware of the EDI and have provided information to their Account Managers who, in turn, can provide better service to their clients.
- Section 41 coordinators are active in the development of the EDI and other OLA issues, and they are able to discuss and inform their colleagues and clients in the regions.
- Greater awareness among employees has resulted in the creation of local “French Wednesday” committees and other French initiatives.
- Regular feedback from staff is received on the content and benefits of the “French Wednesday” initiative.
- Staff is aware of OLMCs needs through various articles published on the intranet.
- Greater awareness among committee members of the OLA issues and its implication on the Agency’s program, through presentations and discussions with invited guests from other federal institutions such as Canadian Heritage, the Public Service Agency of Canada, the OL Commissioner’s representative in Atlantic Canada, and Justice Canada, as well as, and guests from the OLMCs.
- Some modules in the identification of OL activities in the Agency’s files have been developed.
- An OL policy has been drafted. Further consultations and approval are ongoing. The OL policy will strengthen the implementation of section 41 and the economic development of the OLMCs.
- Guidelines for complaint resolution have been established.
- Increased awareness of the ADM and the champion regarding to OL issues within the Agency and collaboration in identifying ways to promote and support OL across the Agency.
Prince Edward Island (PEI):
- Participants are aware of the OLA and are cognizant of their role in enhancing the vitality of the OLMC.
- Cultural learning for staff enhances their awareness of the OLMCs.
New Brunswick: - Continuous cultural learning for staff, contributing to an increased awareness and understanding of their responsibilities regarding section 41 of the OLA and the needs of the OLMCs.
New Brunswick (NB):
- Continuous cultural learning for staff, contributing to an increased awareness and understanding of their responsibilities regarding section 41 of the OLA and the needs of the OLMCs.
Newfoundland (NL):
- These meetings/consultations increased the staff’s awareness in understanding the OL obligations of the Agency with respect to the needs and priorities of the francophone community.
- These tools increased the staff’s awareness and knowledge of the activities of the OLMCs.
- The staff was able to reflect on past activities and discuss possible initiatives for the upcoming year.
- The Coordinator is able to share information with colleagues on OL issues and discuss various options in meeting the needs of the OLMCs.
Nova Scotia (NS):
- Increased staff awareness in regarding OL responsibilities relating to client service delivery.
- Increased awareness of Agency staff of francophone economic development partners as well as various francophone development groups advocating on behalf of the Acadian and francophone communities.
- This practice increases the awareness of staff on OLA and the needs of the OLMCs.
- The articles also promote the culture surrounding official languages by encouraging employees to communicate in French and to participate in OL activities.
B. CONSULTATIONS
(Sharing of ideas and information with OLMCs)
[Activities (e.g. committees, discussions and meetings) through which the federal institution consults the OLMCs and interacts with them to identify their needs and priorities or to understand potential impacts on their development; activities (e.g. round tables and working groups) to explore possibilities for cooperation within the existing mandate of the federal institution or as part of developing a new program or new policy; participation in consultations with OLMCs coordinated by other government bodies; consultation of OLMCs by regional offices to determine their concerns and needs.]
Expected result:
Creation of lasting relationships between the federal institution and OLMCs; federal institution and OLMCs understand each other's needs and mandates.
Activities carried out to achieve the expected result What activities were carried out during the reporting year? What was done?
Head Office:
- Participation in OLMC meetings.
- Participation in the Public Service Canada Agency’s forum on good practices.
- Consultations with OLMCs of Atlantic Canada regarding implementation of the EDI and ACOAs programs
Prince Edward Island:
- Regular communication with OLMC partners, such as SDBA, SSTA, SÉÎPÉ, and RDÉE.
- Participation in a tripartite committee on francophone resources development, which includes representatives from ACOA, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Canadian Heritage, Canada Revenue Agency, Province of Prince Edward Island, la Société de la Baie Acadienne, la Société Saint-Thomas d’Aquin and la Société Éducative de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard.
New Brunswick:
- Meeting with the region’s French language economic development council to share information and collaborate on a means of fostering partnerships with governmental and private parties.
- Collaboration with the RDÉE of New Brunswick. Regular meetings with OLMC partners such as:
- Conseil Économique du Nouveau-Brunswick
- Association acadienne des artistes professionnelles du Nouveau-Brunswick
- Le Réseau Atlantique de Diffusion des Arts de la Scène
- la Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick
- le Centre Scolaire Samuel de Champlain
- ACOA New Brunswick initiated a Communications Outreach Program to advise the OLMC on the availability of information pertaining to the Agency’s programs.
Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Managed the delivery of the Newfoundland and Labrador internship agreements with the OLMC community clients.
- Attended the annual general meeting of the Fédération des of Francophones de Terre- Neuve-et-Labrador.
- Participated in the Francophone Affairs Steering Committee – Comité d’orientation aux affaires francophones (COAF).
- Collaborated with the RDÉE of Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Participated on the steering committee for the Port-au-Port service delivery improvement project.
- Participated on the Management Committee for the Economic Zone 09 Bilingual Liaison Officer Internship Project. Participated in the Advisory Committee for the Town of Cape St. George.
Nova Scotia:
- Regular communication including attendance at the annual general meetings with OLMC partners such as:
- Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ)
- Centre d’aide en affaire et entrepreneuriat (CAAE)
- Réseau de développement économique et d’employabilité –Nouvelle-Écosse,
- Fédération des acadiens de la Nouvelle- Écosse
- South West Shore Development Agency (SWSDA)
- Yarmouth Regional Business Corporation (CBDC)
- Growth Opportunities (CBDC)
- Municipalité de Clare
- Municipalité d’Argyle
- La Société promotion Grand-Pré
- Conseil Jeunesse Provincial
- Participation on the Board of Directors of the CDÉNÉ, SWSDA, Yarmouth Regional Business Corporation and Growth Opportunities.
- Participation in OLMC consultation exercise with OLMCs in Nova Scotia.
- Participation in OLMC-led conferences / forums.
Outputs What products or services came from the activities carried out during the reporting year?
Head Office:
- Discussions with OLMCs representatives during the “Fédération des communautés francophones et acadiennes” annual general meeting held June 13 and 14, 2008.
- Sharing of OL good practices with other federal partners.
- Feedback on needs and priorities of the OLMCs.
Prince Edward Island:
- Attended 30 meetings.
- Participation in two meetings.
New Brunswick:
- Attendance at three meetings with the Conseil Économique du N.B. (CÉNB)
- Participated in two meetings.
- Participated in scheduled meetings.
- Contact with OLMCs
Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Held 24 meetings with three OLMC internship sponsors.
- Attended annual general meeting.
- Attended scheduled meetings.
- Attended 11 meetings. Attended one meeting.
- Attended three meetings.
- Attended 10 meetings.
Nova Scotia:
- Ongoing dialogue with OLMC partners.
- Participated in two CDÉNÉ board meetings.
- Participated in quarterly meetings.
- Participated in seven SWSDA board meetings.
- Participated in five YRBC board meetings,
- Participated three Growth Opportunities board meetings.
- Regular attendance at board meetings. Participation in OLMC consultations.
- Participation in three OLMC-led conferences/ forums such as:
- Expo Acadie 2008
- Cérémonie de reconnaissance des PME Acadiennes et francophones
- “L’Économie mondiale et son impact sur les régions rurales”
Progress made in achieving the expected result What has changed as a result of the activities carried out during the reporting year?
Head Office:
- Increased awareness of the OLMCs needs and priorities.
- Increased amount of learning in various ways to meet the needs and priorities of the OLMCs across the country.
- The Agency has a better understanding of the needs and priorities of the OLMCs and is able to apply that knowledge in their planning process.
Prince Edward Island:
- A better understanding of the community’s economic development needs and the Agency’s programs.
- Production of an OLMC economic development strategic plan covering the period 2009-2012.
- Identification of strategic priorities and consensus on common strategic priorities for the OLMCs in Prince Edward Island.
New Brunswick:
- Consultation with the CENB resulted in a better understanding of the needs and challenges of the OLMCs and the establishment of a partnership to assist the CENB with some of their projects.
- Consultation with the RDEE resulted in a better understanding of the needs and challenges of the OLMCs and to explore possibilities for co-operation within the existing mandate of the institution or as part of developing a new program or new policy
- Regular communication and consultation with partners on initiatives, projects, and strategies contributed to the enhancement of the vitality of OLMC in New Brunswick.
- Examples of initiatives include:
- an ongoing Young Entrepreneurship initiative where an ACOA Development Officer works directly with the Youth in the OLMC;
- a coordinator has been assigned to OLMC for the development of the Women in Business initiative.
- OLMCs are aware of the various tools used by the Agency to advertize their programs.
Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Projects enabled community economic development groups to keep young people in the community and undertake projects that benefit the community.
- Priority files of the OLMCs were discussed and ACOA participated in a workshop on economic development.
- Identification of priority sectors and initiatives of the OLMCs.
- Met with RDÉE of Newfoundland and Labrador to discuss ongoing RDÉE initiatives and funding options.
- Report on the relevance of the Service Canada delivery of service initiative.
- Bilingual Liaison Officer Internship agreement provided services to the community.
- Participated in the Federal/Provincial/ OLMC community consultations and workshop to discuss OLMC priority projects and provide ACOA input on these priorities.
Nova Scotia:
- Regular communication with OLMC partners on their priority files and broader issues relating to community economic development.
- Regular participation at OLMC meetings has increased the Agency’s visibility and has allowed Agency staff to actively engage in a variety of community economic development projects and provide strategic input into the direction taken by the various boards regarding planning and priorities.
- Increased awareness of both the Agency’s mandate and approach to service delivery in meeting the OLMC needs and priorities.
- Identification of possible collaborations.
C. COMMUNICATIONS
(Transmission of information to OLMCs)
[External communications activities to inform OLMCs about the activities, programs and policies of the federal institution and to promote the bilingual character of Canada; inclusion of OLMCs in all information and distribution lists; use of the federal institution's Web site to communicate with OLMCs.]
Expected result:
OLMC culture reflects a broad understanding of the federal institution's mandate; OLMCs receive up-to-date and relevant information about the federal institution's programs and services (P&S).
Activities carried out to achieve the expected result What activities were carried out during the reporting year? What was done?
Head Office:
- Information on ACOA’s implementation of the OLA made available to the general public
- Information and articles on official languages made available to employees.
- Various messages sent to employees
Prince Edward Island:
- Printing of advertisements in La Voix acadienne to inform the OLMC about program information sessions
Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Engaged members of the francophone community have provided testimonials on the ACOA-funded internship initiatives.
New Brunswick :
- Canada Business Service Centre in New Brunswick organized communication activities on available services across the province, including presentation on Trade, Women in Business, CBSC services, Entrepreneurship and Business Basics.
- Communication support to OLMCS.
Nova Scotia:
- Ongoing communication with Le Courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse and other francophone media.
Outputs What products or services came from the activities carried out during the reporting year?
Head Office:
- Current information published on the Agency’s website.
- Publication of articles on the Agency’s intranet site.
- Messages sent via the Agency’s e-mail system.
Prince Edward Island:
- Two advertisements relating to the Build Canada Fund and the Atlantic Innovation Fund were placed in La Voix acadienne.
Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Two testimonials were given during ACOA’s OL Integrated Community meeting in June 2008.
New Brunswick :
- Sessions offered in both official languages, 28 presentations were offered to francophone groups.
- 53 news releases to French media including newspapers as well as radio and television.
Nova Scotia:
- Contribution to Le Courrier de la Nouvelle Écosse.
Progress made in achieving the expected result What has changed as a result of the activities carried out during the reporting year?
Head Office:
- The Agency’s annual report on achievement was published on the ACOA website.
- An intranet article was published on the promotion of “Rendez-vous de la francophonie” and activities in the region.
- The Agency sent a number of messages encouraging employees to participate in the activities during Official Languages Week in New Brunswick to enable them to become familiar with the Official Languages Act, its application and the culture surrounding official languages.
Prince Edward Island:
- Greater promotion of the Agency’s activities in the French print media improve the development of the OLMCs.
Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Promotion of the initiative of OL projects and their benefit on the community to all committee members.
New Brunswick:
- OLMCs are well informed of the activities, programs and policies of the Agency.
- Offering the sessions in both official languages promotes the bilingual character of Canada.
- Increased awareness of activities to inform OLMCs about the Agency’s activities.
Nova Scotia:
- Consistent media coverage of ACOA supported projects, thus allowing for greater promotion of Agency activities within OLMCs
D. COORDINATION AND LIAISON
(Does not include funding – Internal coordination and liaison with other government institutions)
[Coordination activities (research, studies, meetings, etc.) carried out by the federal institution itself along with other federal institutions or other orders of government; participation in activities organized by other federal institutions, other orders of government, etc.; participation of official languages champions, national and regional coordinators, and others in various government forums.]
Expected result:
Co-operation with multiple partners to enhance OLMC development and vitality and to share best practices.
Activities carried out to achieve the expected result What activities were carried out during the reporting year? What was done?
Head Office:
- Head Office Renewal of the Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages 2008-2013 in collaboration with other Regional Development Agencies.
- Development of mechanisms for collaboration and exchange with federal partners on the Roadmap: Government of Canada Action Plan on Linguistic Duality 2008-2013.
- Creation and maintenance of regular contacts with other partners.
- Regular contacts with the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages.
- Establishment of a working committee with RDÉEs in the Atlantic region.
- Participation in various meetings organized by the partners.
Prince Edward Island:
- Participation in the OL sub-committee of the Prince Edward Island Federal Council
New Brunswick:
- Participation in the official language sub-committee of the New Brunswick Federal Council
- Participation in meetings organized by other federal departments.
Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Participated in various meetings with other federal partners.
- Participated in meetings of the ACOA Official Languages Committee and the ACOA Regional Coordinators for Section 41 of the OLA.
- Participated in the Francophone Affairs Steering Committee – Comité d’orientation aux affaires francophones (COAF).
Nova Scotia:
- Participation in meetings of the ACOA Official Languages Committee and the ACOA Regional Coordinators for Section 41 of the OLA.
- Participation in meetings of the Nova Scotia Federal Council’s sub-committee on Official Languages.
- Participated in several meetings with le Conseil Consultatif sur le Tourisme Acadien (CCTA), the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Steering Committee (YAS), la Société Promotion Grand-Pré (SPGP) and le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse (VHANE).
Outputs What products or services came from the activities carried out during the reporting year?
Head Office:
- A committee was established to oversee the delivery of the Economic Development Initiative.
- Preparation of the Treasury Board submission to obtain funding.
- Monthly and weekly conference calls.
- Participation in meetings of the National Committee on Economic Development and Employability (RDEE Canada) in November 2008 and March 2009.
- Meetings held via conference call. Meetings were held in June and November 2008 and in February and March 2009.
- Participation in the federal-community table on May 20, 2009.
- Participation in the partners meeting on the renewal of the federal-community table action plan in New Brunswick (January 21, February 11, March 11, 2009).
Prince Edward Island:
- Participated in four meetings
New Brunswick:
- Participated in eight meetings.
- Participated in two meetings.
- Meeting with the Translation Bureau of Canada.
Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Attended federal partners meetings.
- Attended scheduled meetings.
- Attended meetings.
Nova Scotia:
- Attended meetings
- Attended meetings
- Attended meetings / Ongoing dialogue
Progress made in achieving the expected result What has changed as a result of the activities carried out during the reporting year?
Head Office:
- Close collaborations with Industry Canada and the other Regional Development Agencies has been established.
- Funding for the Economic Development Initiative was obtained.
- Collaboration and exchange are ongoing with partners on OLMC economic development.
- Discussions have been held with the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages on the process of the complaint resolution process The Atlantic representative participated in the Agency’s OL Integrated committee meeting in June 2008.
- Ongoing consultations with the OLMCs through the RDEE and review of the work and mandate of the committee.
Prince Edward Island:
- The creation of a workplace that reflects the public’s right to be served in the OL of its choice.
- The development of a methodology to measure the capacity of client service in both OL.
New Brunswick:
- These meetings encourage the development of cultural events and projects, sharing of best practices and information on the issues both internally and with OLMCs, thus furthering the development of OLMC.
- Representatives from the Agency made presentations on the ACOA’s OL initiatives and shared best practices with other federal institutions.
- Collaboration and exchange between the New Brunswick translation industry champion and Translation Bureau of Canada. This meeting promoted the sharing of best practices and information on studies and research recently conducted in Translation Industry and the effect on OLMCs, which are predominantly influenced by this industry.
Newfoundland and Labrador:
- The meetings enabled the Agency to work with various partners to collect information and a variety of data on OLMCs to identify priorities as well as potential solutions for development.
- Participation in meetings of the Regional Coordinators for Section 41 to discuss the Agency Action Plan, Agency programming and development opportunities for the OLMCs.
- Attended two COAF meetings in St. John’s and one on the mainland, where the priority sectors and initiatives of the OLMC were discussed along with government programs and services available to respond to these priorities.
Nova Scotia:
- Participation in two meetings. These meetings promote the sharing of information for the development of OLMCs. An action plan was developed for the implementation of Part VII of the OLA.
- Participated in three meetings, where federal partners promote co-operation to enhance OLMC development and vitality.
- Fostering of a working relationship with many Acadian / francophone tourism industry stakeholders to foster the development and promotion of the Acadian tourism product.
E. FUNDING AND PROGRAM DELIVERY
[Implementation of the federal institution's programs and delivery of its services; funding, alone or in cooperation with other federal institutions, of OLMC projects; inclusion of the needs of OLMCs in the delivery of the federal institution's programs and services.]
Expected result:
OLMCs are part of the federal institution's regular clientele and have adequate access to its programs and services; OLMC needs (e.g. geographic dispersion and development opportunities) are taken into account.
Activities carried out to achieve the expected result What activities were carried out during the reporting year? What was done?
• Support for projects within OLMCs.
New Brunswick:
- Support of projects within OLMCs.
Outputs What products or services came from the activities carried out during the reporting year?
• Funding of projects as part of various ACOA programs.
New Brunswick:
- Several meetings with provincial counterparts.
Progress made in achieving the expected result What has changed as a result of the activities carried out during the reporting year?
- Head Office supported 10 projects that enhanced the vitality of OLMCs. The total contribution was $1,239,584 (see attached list of projects).*
- The New Brunswick office of ACOA supported 40 projects that enhanced the vitality of OLMCs. The total contribution was $6,208,896 (see attached list of projects).*
- The Prince Edward Island office of ACOA supported 12 projects that enhanced the vitality of OLMCs. The total contribution was $681,377 (see attached list of projects).*
- The Nova Scotia office of ACOA supported eight projects that enhanced the vitality of OLMCs. The total contribution was $1,487,347 (see attached list of projects).*
- The Newfoundland and Labrador office of ACOA supported two projects that enhanced the vitality of OLMCs. The total contribution was $44,130 (see attached list of projects)
New Brunswick:
- Delivery of a Francophone Immigration Initiative with Province of New Brunswick under Canada’s Roadmap: Government of Canada Action Plan on Linguistic Duality. This project enhances OLMCs through a targeted francophone immigration program.
F. ACCOUNTABILITY
[Activities through which the federal institution integrates its work on the implementation of section 41 of the OLA into departmental planning and accountability mechanisms (e.g. report on plans and priorities, departmental performance report, departmental business plan and status report on implementation of section 41 of the OLA); internal audits and evaluations of programs and services; regular review of programs and services as well as policies by senior managers of the federal institution to ensure implementation of section 41 of the OLA.]
Expected result:
Full integration of the OLMC perspective and section 41 of the OLA into the federal institution's policies, programs and services; the reporting structure, internal evaluations and policy reviews determine how to better integrate OLMCs’ perspective.
Activities carried out to achieve the expected result What activities were carried out during the reporting year? What was done?
- Evaluation of activities.
- Continuation of 2006-2009 action plan.
- Continuation of 2006-2009 action plan.
Outputs What products or services came from the activities carried out during the reporting year?
- Report on results.
- Continuation of activities outlined in the action plan.
- Implementation of Section 41 is included in the Agency’s Report on Plans and Priorities and the Department Performance Report.
Progress made in achieving the expected result What has changed as a result of the activities carried out during the reporting year?
- The report on results for 2007-2008 was presented to Canadian Heritage in May 2008.
- The Agency reports progress in this area in the report on results for 2008-2009. Renewal of the action plan will be focused on further advancing the OL in the Agency.
- Section 41 of the OLA is included in the Agency’s planning and reporting processes.
Distribution List
- Members of the ACOA Committee of Champions of Official Languages
- Members of the ACOA Official Languages Committee
- DGs in ACOA
- Vice-Presidents of ACOA
- RDÉE New Brunswick
- RDÉE Newfoundland and Labrador
- RDÉE Prince Edward Island
- RDÉE Nova Scotia
- Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick (CÉNB)
- Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ)
- Société de développement de la Baie Acadienne (SDBA)
- Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve-et-du-Labrador (FFTNL)
- Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick (SANB)
- Fédération Acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FANE)
- Société nationale de l’Acadie (SNA)
- Société Saint-Thomas d’Aquin (SSTA)
The Report on Achievements for 2008-2009 is also available on the Agency’s website at:
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/library/parliament.shtml
All Approved Section 41 Projects between April 01, 2008 to March 31st, 2009/Projets approuvés en vertu de l'article 41 des LO du 1 avril 2008 au 31 mars 2009
| Region |
File # |
Legal Name |
ACOA Amts. |
Description |
| PEI |
194793 |
Le Centre Goéland Inc. |
$15,000.00 |
To engage services of consultants to facilitate development |
| PEI |
194702 |
La Société de développement de la Baie acadienne inc. |
$80,076.00 |
The continuation of the PERCÉ program in 2009 |
| PEI |
194628 |
Le Centre Goéland Inc. |
$55,000.00 |
Demolition of old lodge and construction of new structure |
| PEI |
194617 |
La Société éducative de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard Inc. |
$85,200.00 |
Entrepreneurial and business continuous education in French |
| PEI |
194113 |
La Société de développement de la Baie acadienne inc. |
$40,977.00 |
Three-year Community Economic Development Strategic Plan |
| PEI |
194068 |
L'Exposition agricole et le Festival acadien Région Évangéline |
$24,000.00 |
To develop Acadian cabaret-style entertainment products |
| PEI |
193868 |
Centre Expo-Festival Center Ltd. |
$96,769.00 |
Additions and improvement to facilities |
| PEI |
193843 |
l'Association touristique Évangéline |
$6,355.00 |
Acadian cultural experience |
| PEI |
193804 |
La Société de développement de la Baie acadienne inc. |
$120,000.00 |
Operating budget for the 2008-2009 |
| PEI |
193729 |
La Société Saint Thomas-d'Aquin |
$75,000.00 |
250 anniversary festival marking thr deportation of Acadiens. |
| PEI |
193688 |
Le Festival Acadien de Charlottetown |
$15,000.00 |
Acadian festival in downtown Charlottetown |
| PEI |
193147 |
Association acadienne des artistes professionel.le.s du N-B |
$68,000.00 |
Francophone Atlantic Artists Association (Les Éloizes 2008) |
| PEI Total |
|
|
$681,377.00 |
|
NS
|
190463 |
Conseil acadien de Par-en-Bas and South West Shore Dev. |
$100,000.00 |
Addition to school and community centre |
| NS |
194343 |
Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse |
$13,500.00 |
Development of a 5-year strategic plan |
| NS |
194011 |
South West Shore Development Authority |
$67,500.00 |
Museum and Historical Site Interpretation Specialist Project |
| NS |
193477 |
South West Shore Development Authority |
$150,000.00 |
Core operational funding for 2008 - 2009 |
| NS |
194092 |
Kings County Economic Development Agency |
$211,347 |
Develop a nomination dossier for Grand Pré to UNESCO |
| NS |
193463 |
Yartmouth Regional Business Corporation |
$315,000.00 |
Core operational funding for 2008 - 2009 |
| NS |
190182 |
CDÉNÉ |
$235,000 |
Core operational funding for 2008 - 2009 |
| NS |
190363 |
Université Ste-Anne-CAAE |
$160,000 |
Core operational funding for 2008 - 2009 |
| NS |
193465 |
Growth Opportunities Ltd. |
$235,000 |
Core operational funding for 2008 - 2009 |
| NS Total |
|
|
$681,377.00 |
|
| NL |
194104 |
Town of Cape St. George |
$31,130.00 |
Continue to develop and implement bilingual CED initiatives |
| NL |
193607 |
Federation des Francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador |
$13,000.00 |
Produce a French tourism guide |
| NL Total |
|
|
$44,130.00 |
|
| HO |
194725 |
Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship Inc. |
$35,000.00 |
ACE 2009 Atlantic Canada Regional Exposition |
| HO |
194703 |
Saint Mary's University Business Development Centre |
$46,800.00 |
Online Innovation Competition for Atlantic Canadian Students |
| HO |
194550 |
Société Nationale de l'Acadie |
$25,000.00 |
Atlantique Forum on francophone immigration |
| HO |
194543 |
Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia |
$26,250.00 |
2009 Junior Achievement Atlantic Conference |
| HO |
194542 |
Trade Centre Limited |
$244,140.00 |
Growth Training Program - Young Entrepreneurs |
| HO |
194455 |
Mount Saint Vincent University - Centre for Women in Business |
$384,703.00 |
Business Growth Training Program for WBOs - Round II |
| HO |
194093 |
Société Nationale de l'Acadie |
$160,191.00 |
International promotion of Acadian artist |
| HO |
193835 |
Association francophone des municipalités du Nouveau-Brunswick Inc. |
$15,000.00 |
Colloque sur la gouvernance locale/régionale |
| HO |
193801 |
Atlantic Association of Community Business Development Corporations |
$285,000.00 |
Atlantic Association of CBDCs projects for 2008-2009 |
| HO |
193420 |
Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité Canada |
$17,500.00 |
Event "Lauriers de la PME" |
| HO Total |
|
|
$1,239,584.00
|
|
| NB |
194856 |
Salon de la Forêt |
$5,000.00 |
training sessions - Forestry Industry |
| NB |
194801 |
Ville de Saint-Quentin Inc. |
$850,000.00 |
Addition and improvements to existing building |
| NB |
194797 |
Le Pays de la Sagouine Inc. |
$800,000.00 |
Construction of the restaurant |
| NB |
194564 |
Traduction NB Translation Inc. |
$5,000.00 |
Mission 'Destination Canada' - Recruiting French Translators |
| NB |
194438 |
Agence de développement économique communautaire du Madawaska |
$85,661.00 |
Development of competitiveness of businesses |
| NB |
194123 |
Agence de développement économique communautaire de la Péninsule |
$30,500.00 |
Startup of Network for development of products |
| NB |
193896 |
Greater Fredericton Community Economic Development Agency Inc. |
$37,000.00 |
2008 EDAC Conference |
| NB |
193870 |
Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick inc. |
$37,500.00 |
2008-2009 Annual programming |
| NB |
195057 |
Centre de Développement et d'entrepreneurship Chaleur Inc. |
$55,000.00 |
Continuation of YEDI in Chaleur region |
| NB |
195026 |
Agence de développement économique de Kent |
$39,200.00 |
Fund YEDI coordination initiative for Enterprise Kent. |
| NB |
194948 |
CBDC Madawaska Inc. |
$55,000.00 |
Fund fiscal 2009-2010 YEDI initiative for CBDC Madawaska. |
| NB |
194867 |
Enterprise Greater Moncton Inc. |
$35,000.00 |
Funding for YEDI development officer for fiscal 2009/2010 |
| NB |
194844 |
New Brunswick Association of CBDC Inc. |
$31,955.00 |
YEDI 2009-2010 |
| NB |
194785 |
LearnSphere Canada Inc. |
$250,000.00 |
Training and consulting services for Trade (TCS-T) Program. |
| NB |
194750 |
Centre d'entrepreneurship du Restigouche Inc. |
$115,755.00 |
Youth Entrepreneurship activities for 2009/2010 |
| NB |
194696 |
South East Community Economic Development Agency Inc. |
$25,000.00 |
Developmental of Regional Tourism Action Plan for operators |
NB
|
193426
|
Victoria/Madawaska-South Business Development Centre Inc. |
$35,000.00
|
Support youth entrepreneurship activities for 2008/2009 |
| NB |
193623 |
New Brunswick Association of CBDC Inc. |
$75,000.00 |
Consultant advisory services for WBI 2008/2009 |
| NB |
193624 |
New Brunswick Association of Community Business Development Corporations Inc. |
$624,900.00 |
To deliver WBI counselling and community outreach program |
| NB |
193750 |
CBDC Madawaska Inc. |
$55,000.00 |
Initiative Entrepreneurship Jeunesse 2008/2009 |
| NB |
193757 |
Kent Community Economic Development Agency Inc |
$46,200.00 |
Initiative Entrepreneurship Jeunesse 2008/2009 |
| NB |
193759 |
Centre de Développement et d'entrepreneurship Chaleur Inc. |
$53,000.00 |
Initiative Entrepreneurship Jeunesse 2008/2009 |
| NB |
193772 |
South East Community Economic Development Agency Inc. |
$39,685.00 |
YEDI 2008/2009 |
| NB |
193850 |
CBDC Kent |
$268,000.00 |
Operating contract for 2008-2010 |
| NB |
193853 |
CBDC Westmorland Albert Inc. |
$260,000.00 |
Operating Contract for 2008-2010 |
| NB |
193857 |
CBDC Péninsule Acadienne Inc. |
$345,000.00 |
Operating contract for 2008-2010 |
| NB |
193858 |
Centre de Développement et d'entrepreneurship Chaleur Inc. |
$239,000.00 |
Operating contract for 2008-2010 |
| NB |
193862 |
LearnSphere Canada Inc. |
$330,404.00 |
ProfitLearn 2008/2009 |
| NB |
193890 |
Restigouche CBDC Inc. |
$257,600.00 |
Operating Funding for 2008-2010 |
| NB |
194445 |
New Brunswick Association of CBDC Inc. |
$40,000.00 |
Youth Internship Program 2008-2009 |
NB |
194438 |
Agence de développement économique Communautaire du Madawaska inc. |
$85,661.00 |
Development of the competitiveness of businesses |
| NB |
194417 |
CBDC Péninsule Acadienne Inc. |
$40,000.00 |
Youth Internship Program 2008-2009 |
| NB |
194413 |
Université de Moncton |
$20,875.00 |
2008-2009 Export development program |
| NB |
193951 |
CBDC Madawaska Inc. |
$242,000.00 |
Operating funding for 2008-2010 |
| NB |
194054 |
Victoria/Madawaska-South Business Development Centre Inc. |
$257,000.00 |
Operating Funding for 2008-2010 |
| NB |
194123 |
Agence de développement économique communautaire de la Péninsule inc |
$30,500.00 |
Startup of network for product development |
NB
|
194150 |
Restigouche Community Economic Development Agency Inc./Agence de développement é |
$104,700.00 |
Deliver comprehensive trade skills and competencies |
| NB |
194152 |
New Brunswick Association of Community Business Development Corporations Inc. |
$96,800.00 |
Special Projects 2008-2009 |
| NB |
194168 |
New Brunswick Association of Community Business Development Corporations Inc. |
$154,000.00 |
Commercial Client Training Project |
| NB |
193714 |
Enterprise Greater Moncton Inc. |
$51,000.00 |
Youth entrepreneurship activities |
NB Total
|
|
|
$6,208,896.00
|
|
Resume:
| Head Office/Siège social |
1,239,584.00 |
| Prince Edward Island/Ile du Prince Édouard |
681,377.00 |
| Nova Scotia/Nouvelle Écosse |
1,487,347.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador/Terre Neuve et Labrador |
44,130.00 |
| New Brunswick/Nouveau Brunswick |
6,208,896.00 |
| Total 2008/2009 |
$9,661,334.00 |