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1 Report on French-language Services Government of Saskatchewan éalisations llaboration intergouvernementa raduction fransaslois rancophonie rançais l offre active vitalité ation francophonie intern rogrammes et services

2 Table of Contents Message from the Provincial Secretary 3 Highlights 4 Table of ( ) French-language Services Policy 8 Points of Service (26) 23 2

3 Message from the Provincial Secretary achievements It is my pleasure to present this report on the Government of Saskatchewan s French-language Services Policy which highlights the achievements of our ministries, Crown corporations and government agencies over the fiscal year In December 2011, the province proclaimed 2012 the Year of the Fransaskois. The province is proud to take this opportunity to acknowledge the important historical and social role the Francophone community has played in shaping Saskatchewan s identity. The fiscal year saw the creation of a Francophone Community Infrastructure Fund. The goal of the Fund is to support the development and the cultural vitality of the Francophone community in Saskatchewan and it provides funding of up to $100,000 (in total) for capital projects. Saskatchewan has also maintained its ongoing dialogue with representatives of the Fransaskois community, most notably through the solid advice and recommendations provided by our Advisory Committee on Francophone Affairs. In , the Committee has been tasked with the evaluation of the French-language Services Policy in effect since The French-language Services Centre continues to work with ministries to increase the French language content and services made available to Francophones in Saskatchewan. The Services Centre also uses social media to promote new information available on government programs and services in French. The province will continue to build partnerships that ensure that Saskatchewan s Francophone communities are vibrant and are contributing to the growth of our province. As Provincial Secretary, responsible for Francophone Affairs, I would like to thank all partners and stakeholders who have contributed to the achievements presented in this report. Wayne Elhard Provincial Secretary 3

4 Highlights ongoing initiatives 2012 Year of the Fransaskois On December 7, 2011, the Office of the Provincial Secretary proclaimed 2012 the Year of the Fransaskois in Saskatchewan. The year 2012 marks the centennial of the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF), the umbrella organization for Francophone associations and organizations in Saskatchewan. This proclamation recognizes and raises awareness of the contribution Francophones have made to the development of Saskatchewan. Continuing to increase our Capacity to Partner with the Francophonie Portail culturel fransaskois In , Saskatchewan partnered with the federal government in matching a contribution of up to $139, under the Canadian Heritage Cultural Development Fund. The goal of this partnership is to support and strengthen the cultural and artistic activities of the Fransaskois community and to enhance its vitality. This investment resulted in the creation of the Portail culturel fransaskois. The Portail culturel fransaskois, managed by the Saskatchewan Arts Board, supports Fransaskois artists and creators with financial grants to increase their capacity for artistic creation, production, touring capacity and increase their visibility in the province. Infrastructure Fund In the budget, Saskatchewan created the Francophone Community Infrastructure Fund (FCIF) and allocated a $100,000 envelope to this fund. FCIF is a new program and it is the first time that the Government of Saskatchewan is providing ongoing support for capital projects that support the vitality of Francophone communities across the province. In its first year, the Fund awarded funding to five communities: Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Gravelbourg and Bellevue. 4

5 ongoing initiatives Promotion of the Fransaskois Flag A Provincial Emblem Fransaskois Flag Saskatchewan continued to promote the Fransaskois flag in through its community recognition initiatives. The communities of Gravelbourg and Zenon Park were recognized with a flag installation including a provincial plaque highlighting the community s important contributions to Saskatchewan s Francophonie. The province is proud to promote this provincial emblem and, more importantly, recognize our many deserving Francophone communities. Saskatchewan s French-language Services Centre The French-language Services Centre continues to promote and facilitate access to services in French from all ministries, Crown corporations and agencies. It provides a single-window for citizens to access provincial services available in French. The site saw a 5% increase in the number of visits to its website. There were 61,710 visits to the Bonjour! website in Service Delivery Officers also replied to 496 requests from citizens requesting services in French, an increase of 20% over last year. Also new this year, the Services Centre has added the use of social media in its communication strategy to reach out to members of the Fransaskois community with news on programs and services available in French. Through its Services en français Facebook page, we now communicate with over 375 people to promote government programs, advisories, information and services. The Centre can be accessed online through the Bonjour! website ( Citizens can also contact the Centre toll free at or by at bonjour@gov.sk.ca. 5

6 translation Provincial Secretary s Advisory Committee on Francophone Affairs The Committee met three times in and also published a report on Health. Members of the Committee met with relevant community stakeholders as well as senior civil servants to conduct an evaluation of the French-language Services Policy adopted in Recommendations from these discussions were made public in the spring of All Advisory Committee reports and recommendations can be accessed through the Intergovernmental Affairs website at Translation Services During the fiscal year, 643,913 words were received and processed. Saskatchewan continues to give greater priority to the translation of documents and web pages which facilitate more active and direct communication with its French speaking citizens. Translation Volume ( ) 800,000 # of Words 700, , , , , , , , , , , ,

7 translation Translation requests by clients or Agency Word count Justice and Attorney General 162,244 Office of the Provincial Secretary 100,551 Environment (ENV) 40,529 Health 38,056 Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) 27,990 Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration (AEEI) 19,070 Saskatchewan Arts Board 17,300 Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport (TPCS) 6,560 Social Services 6,255 Labour Relations and Workplace Safety 1,438 Corrections, Public Safety and Policing 1,192 Others 222,728 Clients ( ) Others: 35% Social Services: 1% Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport: 1% Saskatchewan Arts Board: 3% Justice: 25% Office of the Provincial Secretary: 16% Environment: 6% Health: 6% SGI: 4% Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration: 3% 7

8 Table of ( ) French-language Services Policy communication Goal 1 Saskatchewan increasingly communicates in the language of choice of its French-speaking citizens All Ministries Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Student Financial Assistance Branch Immigration The government as a whole has processes in place for written communications to take place in French when requested. Saskatchewan has 26 points of access which offer services in French (see Appendix 1). French-language capacity in the student financial assistance call center with two permanent bilingual positions. Can-Sask Integrated Student Loan Application Handbook, Instruction Guide and brochures are made available in French online. General Educational Development (GED) tests support materials and certificates are available in French and GED Examiner training for French-speaking educators is provided as needed. Ongoing communication and translation of documents between Community Partnerships and Settlement Branch, Immigration services and the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF) regarding the Francophonie Immigration Initiatives file. Eighteen fact sheets for newcomers can be found on the Saskatchewan Immigration portal in French. 8

9 communication Goal 1 Saskatchewan increasingly communicates in the language of choice of its French-speaking citizens Agriculture Education Energy and Resources Regional Services Branch has specialists that speak French and can respond in French when required. The Communications Branch also has a bilingual consultant on staff. The Agriculture Knowledge Centre can communicate with citizens in French. All Business Risk Management materials provided under the Growing Forward Policy Framework are made available in both official languages, in all regional offices and with links to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada website. The AgriStability Handbook and Crop Insurance Guides were translated and made available online. French education section of ministry website is available in a fully bilingual format. Translation service offered to support the development for French-language curricula and the requests from other ministry branches. The Provincial Library and Literacy Office (PLLO) accepts literacy plans and progress reports provided by the Services fransaskois de formation aux adultes (SEFFA) in French. The PLLO also supports a public awareness campaign initiated by Saskatchewan public library system to promote family literacy and early childhood development: 3,000 posters were printed in French and distributed through the public libraries and Francophone organizations in Saskatchewan. Minerals, Lands and Policy Division have French-language capacity. 9

10 communication Goal 1 Saskatchewan increasingly communicates in the language of choice of its French-speaking citizens Enterprise Saskatchewan Environment Finance Business Infosource and the Investment Attraction Branch have the capacity and do provide services in French for provincial, national and international inquiries. Translation of a Saskatchewan Profiles Brochure for use on ministerial missions. Content in French (fact sheets, reports) are available on the Enterprise Saskatchewan website. A video in French featuring a testimonial from a Francophone immigrant who moved to the province to further her career was produced and featured on the thinksask.ca site. Online ads in French ran during the last national campaign in February and March Partnered with the Conseil de la coopération de la Saskatchewan (CCS) and Regina Regional Opportunities Commission, organized a Saskatchewan booth at the national Job Fair in Montreal in October Hunters and Trappers Guide was translated and made available in French online Anglers Guide was translated and made available in French online. Go Green ad campaign was conducted in English and in French. Budget Speech and Budget Highlights card were translated and posted on their website. Advertisement in the French language newspaper l Eau Vive announcing the Budget. Information Saskatchewan fact sheet was translated and posted on their website. 10

11 communication Goal 1 Saskatchewan increasingly communicates in the language of choice of its French-speaking citizens Health Highways and Infrastructure Flu immunization sheets and other vaccine sheets have been translated and are posted on the Saskatchewan Health website. Written letters to students as well as ballots were provided in French to Francophone and Immersion schools for the View and Vote 4 campaign. Grade 6-12 students were given the opportunity to view and vote on anti-tobacco ads from around the world. Orange Zone and Snow Zone advertisements as well as fact sheets were made available in French online. Train Safety Activity Book and Teachers guide were translated and will be made available online. A hard copy of the French-language handbook was also sent to Grade 4 students in Francophone and Immersion Schools near provincially-regulated shortline railways. A news release regarding Train Safety Week was also translated and made available online. 11

12 communication Goal 1 Saskatchewan increasingly communicates in the language of choice of its French-speaking citizens Justice and Attorney General Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan Provincial Court judges continue to attend Frenchlanguage training and seminars. 46 bilingual Acts and 32 bilingual regulations are currently in force in Saskatchewan. Four additional Acts have been passed but have not yet been proclaimed in force. Bilingual Rules of Procedure of the Court of Appeal are available. Revised bilingual Queen s Bench Rules and Forms are expected to come into effect in the summer of The translation is 50% complete. Signage in both official languages is present in Provincial Court and Court of Queen s Bench in all southern locations. Saskatchewan Labour Standards Division has translated the Young Workers Readiness Certificate Course and the Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Both documents can be found online. Visitor Services, Sergeant at Arms, Clerk s Office, Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel, Human Resources and Payroll have French-language capacity. Information brochures continue to be available in French. French content is published in the Saskatchewan Gazette. Bilingual Bills were printed and introduced in the Assembly. Interventions in the House by MLAs and recording in Hansard in French are made available when French is used. 12

13 communication Goal 1 Saskatchewan increasingly communicates in the language of choice of its French-speaking citizens Office of the Provincial Secretary Protocol Office Francophone Affairs Branch Saskatchewan Government Insurance Saskatchewan Pension Plan OPS website is in fully bilingual format. Protocol Office website is in fully bilingual format. All ministry media releases are made public in both official languages. Francophone Affairs Branch website is in fully bilingual format. The French-language Services Centre website Bonjour! is fully bilingual. Provision of translation services across government is made available to increase the number of public documents in French. Saskatchewan continues to give greater priority to the translation of documents and Web pages which facilitate more active and direct communication with its Frenchspeaking citizens. Tools for the Bonjour! active offer campaign were distributed to appropriate ministries. Interventions with ministries to identify and develop additional content were initiated and will intensify in the next fiscal year. The Saskatchewan Driver s Handbook is accessible on line. Written test for class five vehicles is available in French upon request. Saskatchewan Pension Plan s member guide is available in French online. 13

14 communication Goal 1 Saskatchewan increasingly communicates in the language of choice of its French-speaking citizens Social Services Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sports The Child and Family Services and the Income Assistance and Disability Services Division have French-language capacity. Status of Women Office translated reports, posters and media releases are available in French. There are six staff members who are functionally bilingual and can assist French-speaking citizens. 14

15 programs services and Goal 2 Saskatchewan develops and delivers additional French-language programs and services in support of the development of its Francophone community All Ministries Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Agriculture The government has a number of positions within its public service where French-language capacity is deemed essential, namely 43 positions within 5 ministries. The 254 employees in 19 ministries and agencies that self identified as having French-language capacity in the Public Service Second Language Survey were contacted to identify a list of government employees that could be called upon directly by the French-language Services Centre on behalf of citizens regarding government services. French-language capacity is identified within the following branches: Public Institutions and Infrastructure Branch, the Community Partnership and Settlement Branch and the Immigration Services Division. Provided funding to the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF) to attract Francophone immigrants, through planned promotion and recruitment missions to Mauritius and France, regarding bilingual job prospects in Saskatchewan. Funding agreement with the ACF to deliver settlement support to newcomers arriving in the province. Services are provided out of Saskatoon and Regina. Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) program information, AgriStability business risk management information and Wildlife Damage Program information are available online. 15

16 programs services and Goal 2 Saskatchewan develops and delivers additional French-language programs and services in support of the development of its Francophone community Education Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Literacy Office Financial Services Enterprise Saskatchewan Health 20 bilingual staff can provide services in French. Provided funding to six child care centres, for a total of 226 spaces. These centres are located in Saskatoon, Regina, Ponteix, Moose Jaw, Gravelbourg and North Battleford. Provided funding to the Service fransaskois de formation aux adultes (SEFFA) to support adult and family literacy programs and services. Provided funding to the Conseil des écoles fransaskoises (CÉF) to support integrated services in fourteen (14) schools. Enterprise Saskatchewan manages the Can-Sask Business Services Centre which offers services and materials in French. International inquiries in French are handled through a bilingual staff member in the Investment Attraction Branch. A Policy Analyst with French-language capacity has been assigned the Francophone files and will communicate with the Francophone community in French. HealthLine offers interpretation services in over 100 languages, including French. 16

17 programs services and Goal 2 Saskatchewan develops and delivers additional French-language programs and services in support of the development of its Francophone community Justice and Attorney General Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan There are currently 3 bilingual judges in the Provincial Court, one in the Court of Queen s Bench and one in the Court of Appeal. Court Services maintained its capacity to deliver Frenchlanguage services with two permanent bilingual positions in Regina and Saskatoon. French-speaking support staff is available in the Court of Queen s Bench and Court of Appeal Judges offices. Legislative Drafting Branch currently has 1.5 bilingual lawyers on staff. French-language interpretation services are provided when required in court proceedings. Capacity to provide tours in French is supported by one permanent senior guide and six summer guides. The Director of Human Resources is also bilingual. Continued implementation of the Bonjour! active offer of services campaign. One bilingual Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel is currently on staff. Hosted the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie conference, in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Secretary. Members of the Francophone community were invited to various events. Facilitated access to the Legislative Assembly for the Francophone Youth Parliament organized by the Association jeunesse fransaskoise. 17

18 programs services and Goal 2 Saskatchewan develops and delivers additional French-language programs and services in support of the development of its Francophone community Office of the Provincial Secretary Francophone Affairs Branch Public Service Commission Continued support to executive government through its central agency role with respect to French-language services. Continuous efforts are made to maintain and update the information available on the Bonjour! website. Continued to assist Francophones with their requests for information through the French-language Services Centre on the Web, by or by phone. Saskatchewan plays an active role in the Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie (MCCF). Continued to play an active role in the Intergovernmental Network on Canadian Francophonie (INCF). Supported recruitment of staff with French-language skills (classify positions, prepare career ads, conduct assessment processes) across executive government. Eight positions were posted and filled where Frenchlanguage was required or considered an asset. 18

19 programs services and Goal 2 Saskatchewan develops and delivers additional French-language programs and services in support of the development of its Francophone community Saskatchewan Arts Board Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) Fransaskois artists were able to access a designated envelope of funding at the provincial level for the first time. 4 Touring Grants were awarded to organizations, artists and independent presenters in various arts disciplines. 14 Projects Grants were awarded under the headings of Artists and Community and Arts and Learning in the following disciplines: Theatre, Dance, Literature, Music, Visual Art, Media, Multi-Disciplinary. 23 Independent Artist Grants were awarded to artists in the following disciplines: Performing, Literary, Multi- Disciplinary, Visual Art, Media. 8 Fransaskois organizations received grants. 27 Francophone artists received grants. A list of staff members with French-language capacity is kept on hand to offer assistance to customers as needed. 19

20 consultation Goal 3 Saskatchewan s Francophone community is consulted in an ongoing manner in the development of programs and policies affecting them Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Immigration Public Institutions and Infrastructure Education Enterprise Saskatchewan A settlement agent from the Francophone community participates in a provincial Community of Practice for Settlement Advisors program. Immigration Branch s staff participate in various workshops, meetings, initiatives and activities organized by the Francophone community. Immigration Branch staff attend meetings with the Réseau provincial en immigration (Francophone Provincial Immigration Network). Ministry is represented on the Comité fransaskois d éducation postsecondaire (CFEP), a French working group on post-secondary education. Consultations with Collège Mathieu and Service fransaskois de formation aux adultes (SEFFA) organized by the Provincial Library and Literacy Office to discuss ways the Ministry can work with its Francophone partners to assist Francophone families in gaining greater access to literacy and education services in the province. Enterprise Saskatchewan has signed an agreement with the Conseil de la Coopération de la Saskatchewan (CCS) to assist with the development of an interactive bilingual online tool for business success in linking sellers and buyers. The CCS has a member sitting on the Co-operatives Strategic Issues Council. 20

21 consultation Goal 3 Saskatchewan s Francophone community is consulted in an ongoing manner in the development of programs and policies affecting them Health Justice and Attorney General Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan There is ongoing dialogue with the Réseau Santé en français de la Saskatchewan (RSFS) and participation in board meetings. Following recommendations resulting from consultations with the Advisory Committee on Francophone Affairs, the Ministry is translating documents pertaining to any public health and safety campaigns targeted for school and/or early childcare centres. Representatives from the Fransaskois community and from the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General met to discuss French language policy, French language court services, judicial appointments and the translation of laws. The Legislative Assembly is an active member of the Assemblée parlementaire de la francophonie. 21

22 consultation Goal 3 Saskatchewan s Francophone community is consulted in an ongoing manner in the development of programs and policies affecting them Office of the Provincial Secretary Francophone Affairs Branch (FAB) The Advisory Committee on Francophone Affairs, composed of eight individuals appointed by the Provincial Secretary, held three meetings on the renewal of the Government of Saskatchewan s French-language Services Policy. The Committee published one report on Health containing a total of five recommendations to the Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs. Officials from the FAB participate on the Coalition provinciale de la petite enfance, a French language working group on Early Learning and Childcare. Officials from the FAB participate on the Réseau santé en français de la Saskatchewan (RSFS), a French-language working group on Health. Officials from the FAB participate on the Francophone Provincial Immigration Network. Officials from the FAB attended various annual meetings held among Francophone stakeholders. The Provincial Secretary attended community events. Quarterly meetings were held between representatives of the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise and the Deputy Provincial Secretary/Associate Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. A survey was done in the Francophone community to measure the level of satisfaction regarding Frenchlanguage services as well as the level of consultation by the government with the community. 22

23 Points of Service (26) Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration service Canada-Saskatchewan Career and Employment Services Regina 1911 Broad St. REGINA SK S4P 1Y1 Telephone: Job Order Line (for employers): Job Information Line: Facsimile: Canada-Saskatchewan Career and Employment Services Moose Jaw 61A Ross Street West MOOSE JAW SK S6H 2M2 Telephone: Job Order Line (for employers): Job Information Line: Facsimile: Federal-Provincial Integrated Student Loan Program Student Financial Assistance Branch 4635 Wascana Parkway P.O. Box 650 REGINA SK S4P 3A3 Telephone: Toll free: Canada-Saskatchewan Career and Employment Services Saskatoon First Avenue North SASKATOON SK S7K 2H6 Telephone: Job Order Line (for employers): Job Information Line: Facsimile: saskatoon.cansask@sasked.gov.sk.ca Canada-Saskatchewan Career and Employment Services Prince Albert 1288 Central Avenue PRINCE ALBERT SK S6V 6G1 Telephone: Job Order Line (for employers): Job Information Line: Facsimile: princealbert.cansask@sasked.gov.sk.ca Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program 1945 Hamilton Street, 7th floor REGINA SK S4P 2C8 Telephone: SINP (7467) Facsimile: Canada-Saskatchewan Immigration Portal: Destination Saskatchewan: Website dedicated to immigration to Saskatchewan: 23

24 Agriculture Agriculture Knowledge Centre 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday Facsimile: or (toll free) aginfo@gov.sk.ca service Planning and Priorities Branch 1855 Victoria Avenue, 5th Floor REGINA SK S4P 3V5 Telephone: Facsimile: Curriculum Unit French Programs 2220 College Avenue, 6th Floor REGINA SK S4P 4V9 Telephone: Facsimile: Strategic Policy Stakeholder Relations 2220 College Avenue, 3rd Floor REGINA SK S4P 4V9 Telephone: Facsimile: Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Education Early Learning and Childcare Programs On-line Forms Enterprise Saskatchewan Canada-Saskatchewan Business Services Centre Saskatoon Suite 2, 345-3rd Avenue South SASKATOON SK S7K 1M6 Telephone: or Toll free: Facsimile: saskatchewan@entreprisescanada.ca 24

25 Offices Energy and Resources Health service HealthLine 811 HealthLine service is offered in English, with translation services in a wide variety of other languages including French. Court Services Regina 1815 Smith Street REGINA SK S4P 3V7 Telephone: Facsimile: Labour Standards Branch 3rd Floor, 1870 Albert Street REGINA SK S4P 4W1 Toll Free Telephone: Facsimile: General Inquiries webmaster@lab.gov.sk.ca Risk and Relationship Management Regional Support, Planning and Labour Relations 3475 Albert Street, 3rd Floor REGINA SK S4S 6X6 Telephone: Facsimile: Justice and Attorney General Court Services Saskatoon th Street East SASKATOON SK S7K 2H6 Telephone: Facsimile: Labour Relations and Workplace Safety 25

26 Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan service Daily Tours 2405 Legislative Drive REGINA SK S4S 0B3 Telephone: Facsimile: General Information: Visitor Services: Francophone Affairs Branch Victoria Avenue REGINA SK S4P 3T2 Telephone: Facsimile: Protocol Office 1831 College Avenue REGINA SK S4P 4V5 Telephone: Toll free: Facsimile: Government House Public Tours 4607 Dewdney Avenue REGINA SK S4T 1B7 Information: Facsimile: Office of the Provincial Secretary Saskatchewan French-Language Services Centre «Bonjour» Office of the Provincial Capital Commission Social Services Child & Family Services, Housing, Income Assistance Client Services Centre:

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