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1 Annual Report on of Saskatchewan s French-language Services Policy 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 9 Points of Service (27) 26 2

3 Message from the Provincial Secretary achievements It is my pleasure to present this report on the of Saskatchewan s French-language Services Policy which highlights the achievements of our ministries, Crown corporations and government agencies over the fiscal year The year 2012 was proclaimed the Year of the Fransaskois by the of Saskatchewan. In celebration of the year, there was continued collaboration with the Francophone community, whereby the Provincial Secretary, responsible for Francophone Affairs, participated in several events including a visit to Quebec as part of a provincial delegation promoting Fransaskois arts and culture. The province will continue to build partnerships that ensure Saskatchewan s Francophone communities are vibrant and contributing to the growth of our province. As Provincial Secretary, I thank all partners and stakeholders who have contributed to the achievements presented in this report. D. Wayne Elhard Provincial Secretary 3

4 Highlights ongoing initiatives 2012 Year of the Fransaskois The year 2012 marked the centennial of the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF), the umbrella organization for Francophone associations and organizations in Saskatchewan. In recognition of their important contribution and to highlight our ongoing relationship with the Francophone community, the of Saskatchewan proclaimed 2012 the Year of the Fransaskois. Throughout the year, the of Saskatchewan supported and attended events to celebrate this important contribution and provided support for a variety of programs. Continuing to increase our Capacity to Partner with the Francophonie Portail culturel fransaskois Photo by Kevin Hogarth, used with permission from La Troupe du Jour Fransaskois community and to enhance its vitality. In , Saskatchewan partnered with the federal government in matching a contribution of $172,500 under the Canadian Heritage Cultural Development Fund. This joint investment resulted in the continuation of the Portail culturel fransaskois program for a second year with an envelope of $335,000. The goal of this partnership, completed in March 2013, was to support and strengthen the cultural and artistic activities of the The Portail culturel fransaskois, managed by the Saskatchewan Arts Board and the Francophone Affairs Branch (FAB), was a two-year initiative. Over the two-year term, 31 artists and 12 Francophone organizations were awarded financial grants that increased their capacity for artistic creation, production and touring. It also increased their visibility in the province. 4

5 ongoing initiatives Francophone Community Infrastructure Fund Le Relais, Saskatoon, SK - Courtesy of La Fédération des francophones de Saskatoon In the budget, Saskatchewan s Francophone Community Infrastructure Fund (FCIF) allocated $100,000 in order to provide ongoing support for capital projects that support the vitality of Francophone communities across the province. The FCIF awarded funding to seven organizations in five communities: Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Gravelbourg and Bellegarde. The funds were used to support projects which included renovations of community centres, improvements to a local community arena, installation of playground structures and the renovation of theatre space. Promotion of the Fransaskois Flag A Provincial Emblem Fransaskois flag, Wascana Park, Regina, SK Saskatchewan continued to promote the Fransaskois flag in through its community recognition initiatives. The communities of Saskatoon and Regina 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. 5

6 Francophonie 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. In , the Bonjour! website attracted 71,672 visits to its 476 pages. This corresponds to a 16 per cent increase in website traffic from the previous year. During the same period the Service Centre responded to 472 requests from citizens requesting services in French. The Services Centre continued to use 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, the Centre now communicates with more than 428 people to promote government programs, advisories, information and services. The Service 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. Provincial Secretary s Advisory Committee on Francophone Affairs The committee met three times in and also published a report on Saskatchewan s French-language Services Policy. Members of the committee met with relevant community stakeholders as well as senior public servants to conduct an evaluation of French-language services offered by the Ministry of Social Services. All Advisory Committee reports and recommendations can be accessed through the Intergovernmental Affairs website at 6

7 translation Translation Services The year saw an increase in translation by FAB services of 15 per cent over with 755,754 words translated. This increase can be attributed partly to the number of documents translated for the Ministry of Health, with the translation of 18 information sheets on immunizations, and to documents for the Saskatchewan Arts Board for grant applications. Another sector that has grown in terms of access to documents in French is the Service Best course made available to service industry workers in French by the Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council. Saskatchewan continues to give greater priority to the translation of documents and webpages which facilitate more active and direct communication with its French speaking citizens. Translation Volume ( ) # of Words 800, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

8 translation Translation requests by clients or Word count Education 119,968 Justice 118,580 Executive Council Intergovernmental Affairs 113,204 Health 66,221 Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) 58,817 Advanced Education 51,577 Environment 34,894 Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council (STEC) 29,918 Information Services Corporation of Saskatchewan (ISC) 23,819 Saskatchewan Arts Board 20,182 Others 118,574 Clients ( ) Others: 16% Saskatchewan Arts Board: 3% Information Services Corporation of Saskatchewan (ISC): 3% Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council (STEC): 4% Environment: 4% Advanced Education: 7% Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC): 8% Education: 16% Justice: 16% Executive Council Intergovernmental Affairs: 15% Health: 9% 8

9 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 Student Financial Assistance Branch Agriculture The government as a whole has processes in place for written communications to take place in French when requested. Saskatchewan has 27 points of access which offer services in French (see Appendix 1). The student financial assistance call centre can interact with French-speaking citizens. The Agriculture Knowledge Centre can interact with Frenchspeaking citizens. All Business-Risk Management documentation provided under the Growing Forward Policy Framework is made available online in French. Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation programming information (AgriStability Handbook and the Crop Insurance Guide) is available online in French. All French content has been consolidated on one page to increase visibility. Wildlife Damage Program information is available online in French. All materials for the 2012 Agriculture Scholarship were translated and shared with high schools across the province that offered programming in French. 9

10 communication Goal 1 Saskatchewan increasingly communicates in the language of choice of its French-speaking citizens Economy Immigration Labour Market All communication (in-person, phone, online) between the ministry and the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF) with regard to immigration settlement and employment programs is done in French. Responded to Facebook inquiries in French. GED tests, support materials and certificates are available in French. Two French tests were written this year (none were written in ). GED Examiner training to French-speaking educators provided as needed. 19 fact sheets for newcomers can be found on the Saskatchewan Immigration portal in French. French recruitment online ad campaign ran in Quebec in conjunction with the Montreal Job Fair. Financial support to conduct promotion and recruitment activities in partnership with Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise at the Destination Canada Event (France, Belgium and Tunisia, November 2012). Saskatchewan and the Office of Migration of the of Tunisia partnered on a pilot project to select workers from Tunisia through the Francophone Labour Market Opinion exemption. French fact sheet used for recruitment activities was produced (September 2012). French recruitment video was posted online on ThinkSask.ca and used in online ads (September 2012). French recruitment online ads developed and ran in Quebec (February-March 2013). 10

11 communication Goal 1 Saskatchewan increasingly communicates in the language of choice of its French-speaking citizens Education Environment Curriculum Unit French Programs Section of Education website is available in French. Saskatchewan Curriculum website has Fransaskois, Immersion and Core French sections in French. Correspondence to the Francophone and Immersion schools is carried out in French and English. News release for family literacy day was translated and distributed in French. The Registrar s handbook for School Administrators was translated and is available in French Hunters and Trappers Guide available online in French as well as Big Game and Spring Hunting Information Anglers Guide available online in French. Anti-idling program materials available in French (pencils, posters, stickers, signage, etc). Bonjour! information displayed in lobby of main office. 11

12 communication Goal 1 Saskatchewan increasingly communicates in the language of choice of its French-speaking citizens Executive Council Intergovernmental Affairs Protocol Office Francophone Affairs Branch Finance Intergovernmental Affairs website is bilingual; this includes the Provincial Secretary s Office, the Francophone Affairs Branch (FAB) and the Protocol Office. All news releases are distributed in French and English simultaneously. Information and nomination forms for all Medals and Awards are available in French and in English. All news releases are distributed in French and English simultaneously. The French-language Services Portal Bonjour! is available in French and English. Provision of translation services across government to increase the number of public documents available in French and English. Saskatchewan continues to give greater priority to the translation of documents and webpages which facilitate more active and direct communication with its French-speaking citizens. The FAB collaborates with ministries to identify and develop additional content on an ongoing basis. Budget Speech and Budget Highlights card translated in French and posted on website. Advertisement in French language newspaper l Eau vive announcing the Budget. The Information Saskatchewan fact sheet in French was updated and posted on website. 12

13 communication Goal 1 Saskatchewan increasingly communicates in the language of choice of its French-speaking citizens Relations Health The booklet Understanding the Property Assessment Appeal Process was translated in French and is available online. Seniors Home Security Program Booklet translated in French and is available online. Office of the Fire Commissioner Evaluation and Certification Guide translated in French. News releases related to immediate flooding emergency measures were translated to French and available online in spring of Public Safety Branch webpages are available in French. 28 fact sheets on immunization have been translated in French and are posted on the Saskatchewan Health website. Infection Control Manual for Childcare Facilities has been translated in French and is available online. Healthy Foods for My School manual has been translated in French and is available online. Saskatchewan Communities Working Together: Saskatchewan s Action Plan for Citizens with Cognitive Disabilities has been translated to French and is available online. Radio public service announcements pertaining to alcohol and drug addictions have been translated in French and aired provincially. The ministry has assisted the Saskatoon Regional Health Authority in the development of standardized translation policies and procedures; the ministry is available to assist all health regions with access to translation services. 13

14 communication Goal 1 Saskatchewan increasingly communicates in the language of choice of its French-speaking citizens Highways and Infrastructure Justice and Attorney General Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan Snow Zone fact sheets were made available in French online. Train Safety Activity Book and Teachers Guide in French were updated and are available online. A hardcopy of the Frenchlanguage handbook was also sent to Grade 4 students in Francophone and Immersion schools in communities near provincially-regulated shortline railways. A news release regarding Train Safety Week was also translated and made available online. 48 bilingual Acts (French and English) and 33 bilingual regulations are currently in force in Saskatchewan. Four additional Acts have been passed but have not yet been proclaimed in force. Revised Queen s Bench rules and forms in French and English are expected to come into effect the summer of The translation in French is completed. The Rules of Procedure of the Court of Appeal are available in French and English. Signage in French and English is present in Provincial Court and Court of Queen s Bench in all southern locations. Six information brochures continue to be available in French. (Legislative Building, Legislative Assembly, the Speaker, Members of the Legislative Assembly, Legislative Process, the Mace). Weekly publication in French in Saskatchewan Gazette (rules regarding Private Bills). Bilingual Bills printed and passed by the Assembly. Website has been updated to include French material: The role of a Member and The role of the Speaker. 14

15 communication Goal 1 Saskatchewan increasingly communicates in the language of choice of its French-speaking citizens Office of the Provincial Capital Commission House Parks, Culture and Sport Saskatchewan Insurance Saskatchewan Pension Plan Social Services Teacher s resource guides for visiting House are available in French. All interpretation panels are in French and English. All signage are displayed in French and English. Self-guided museum tour books are made available in French and English. French discovery backpack available for children to explore the Edwardian Gardens. Promotional banner in French is used at trade shows. A media release was translated to French to announce Heritage Week. The French version of the national media release for Business for the Arts was sent out provincially as well. Written Class 5 drivers exams can be completed in French upon request. Saskatchewan Driver s Handbook is made available in French by SGI. Saskatchewan Pension Plan s member guide available in French online. The Saskatchewan Assistance Handbook, the Guide to Saskatchewan Employment Supplement and Saskatchewan Housing Supplement and the Seniors Income Plan Fact sheet are available online in French. 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 All Ministries Advanced Education Agriculture Central Services The government has a number of positions within its public service where French-language capacity is deemed essential, which is 23 positions within six ministries. Link to Bonjour! website on government s home page. French language capacity in the Student Financial Assistance call centre is ensured with two permanent bilingual positions. French-language capacity within Public Institutions and Infrastructure Branch. Regional Services Branch has specialists that can provide French-language services. The Communications Branch also has French-language capacity. There is a Français button on the home page of the SCIC webpage providing a direct access to French-language program guides. Supported recruitment of staff requiring French-language competencies (classify positions, prepare career ads, conduct assessment processes). 12 positions were posted and filled where French-language was required or considered an asset. 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 Economy One bilingual position in the Settlement and Language Unit of the Apprenticeship and Workforce Skills Branch. French-language capacity within the First Nation and Métis Relations Northern Economic Development Branch and Canada-Saskatchewan Business Services Centre. Labour Market services are available in French in Moose Jaw, Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Funding agreement with the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF) to deliver employment services through Saskjobs (Action-Emploi). Funding agreement with ACF to deliver settlement support to newcomers arriving in the province. Services are provided out of Saskatoon and Regina and are managed by the Labour Market Services Branch. Link to Bonjour! website on Immigration Portal and increase of French information sheets and linkages to French resources on the Portal. Minerals, Lands and Policy Divisions have French-language capacity. 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 Education Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Literacy Office Financial Services Environment The ministry now has two bilingual positions and 13 other positions with language capacity to provide services for French as a second language, Immersion and Fransaskois programs. There is a direct link to French curricula on the ministry s home page. Provided funding to six child care centres, for a total of 218 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 which includes funding for intensive needs and student vulnerability. Link to French content available through the ministry of Environment home page. 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 Executive Council Intergovernmental Affairs Francophone Affairs Branch Protocol Office Finance Health Link to Bonjour! webpage on Intergovernmental Affairs home page. Francophone Affairs Branch has eight bilingual positions. Continued support to executive government through its central agency role with respect to French-language services. Increased content and maintained information available on the Bonjour! website. Continued to assist Francophones with their request for information through the French-language Services Centre on the web, by or by phone. Continued to play an active role in the Intergovernmental Network on Canadian Francophonie (INCF) and Saskatchewan plays an active role in the Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie (MCCF). Link to Bonjour! website on Executive Council home page. Bilingual staff is available to offer French-language services. Link to Bonjour! website on Finance home page. 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 more than 100 languages, including French. 19

20 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 There are currently two bilingual judges in the Provincial Court, two in the Court of Queen s Bench and one in the Court of Appeal. Provincial Court judges and clerks continue to attend Frenchlanguage training and seminars. Court Services maintains its capacity to deliver Frenchlanguage services with three permanent bilingual positions in Regina and Saskatoon. Legislative Drafting Branch currently has one and a half bilingual lawyer positions. French language interpretation services are provided when required in court proceedings. 20

21 programs services and Goal 2 Saskatchewan develops and delivers additional French-language programs and services in support of the development of its Francophone community Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan Office of the Provincial Capital Commission House Visitor Services, Sergeant at Arms, Clerk s Office, Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel, Corporate Services, Legislative Library and the Speaker s Office have French-language capacity. Capacity to provide tours in French is supported by one permanent senior guide and eight summer guides. One bilingual Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel currently on staff. Director of Human Resources is also bilingual. Participation in the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie Conference, Québec City. Continued support of the Association jeunesse fransaskoise (AJF) in their Francophone Youth Parliament and the use of the Assembly Chamber. Hosted the national Clerks-at-the-Table conference. All material was made available in French and there was simultaneous interpretation provided for delegates. Continued implementation of the Bonjour! active offer of services campaign. The Bonjour! pins are worn by all bilingual staff. Fifty per cent of front line staff at House has the capacity to accommodate French speaking visitors. 21

22 programs services and Goal 2 Saskatchewan develops and delivers additional French-language programs and services in support of the development of its Francophone community Parks, Culture and Sport Social Services There are six staff members who are functionally bilingual and can assist French-speaking citizens. Income Assistance and Disability Services Division have French-language capacity. Link to Bonjour! website on Social Services home page. 22

23 consultation Goal 3 Saskatchewan s Francophone community is consulted in an ongoing manner in the development of programs and policies affecting them Advanced Education Economy The Deputy Minister has initiated a Working Group comprised of representatives from various post-secondary institutions including those from the Fransaskois community with a mandate to explore inter-institutional collaborative initiatives to enhance French-language educational opportunities in Saskatchewan. The ministry is represented on the Comité fransaskois d éducation postsecondaire (CFEP), a community-led working group on post-secondary education. ACF personnel are integrated in the ministry s training and communication opportunities: Settlement Advisors program. Immigration Branch staff attends meetings with the Réseau provincial en immigration (Francophone Provincial Immigration Network). 23

24 consultation Goal 3 Saskatchewan s Francophone community is consulted in an ongoing manner in the development of programs and policies affecting them Executive Council Intergovernmental Affairs Francophone Affairs Branch Health The Advisory Committee on Francophone Affairs, composed of eight individuals appointed by the Provincial Secretary, held three meetings on the renewal of the of Saskatchewan s French-language Services Policy. The Committee published a report on Saskatchewan s French-language Services Policy including 13 recommendations. It was presented to the Provincial Secretary, who is responsible for Francophone Affairs. Officials from the FAB participated in the Coalition provinciale de la petite enfance, a French language working group on Early Learning and Childcare. Officials from the FAB participated in the Réseau santé en français de la Saskatchewan (RSFS) a French-language working group on Health. Officials from the FAB participated in the Provincial Francophone Network on Immigration. Officials from the FAB attended annual meetings held among Francophone stakeholders. The Provincial Secretary attended community events such as the annual community gathering, the 2012 Rendez-vous Fransaskois and the Fête fransaskoise. Ongoing dialogue with the Réseau Santé en français de la Saskatchewan (RSFS) and participation in board meetings. Following recommendations resulting from the consultation with the Advisory Committee on Francophone Affairs, the ministry is translating documents pertaining to any public health and safety campaign targeted for school and/or early childcare centres. 24

25 consultation Goal 3 Saskatchewan s Francophone community is consulted in an ongoing manner in the development of programs and policies affecting them Justice and Attorney General Legislative Assembly Office of the Provincial Capital Commission House Parks, Culture and Sport 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. Is a member of the Assemblée parlementaire de la francophonie and participated at the 2013 conference held in Quebec City. A policy advisory committee has been formed to assess and review French language policy for the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to consider. Partnership with the Société historique de la Saskatchewan to develop French language historical vignettes. There is Francophone representation on the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation. 25

26 Points of Service (27) service Advanced Education Federal-Provincial Integrated Student Loan Program Student Service Centre th Avenue REGINA SK S4P 0M3 Telephone: Toll free: Agriculture Agriculture Knowledge Centre 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday Fax: or (toll free) aginfo@gov.sk.ca Canada-Saskatchewan Labour Market Services Regina 1911 Broad Street REGINA SK S4P 1Y1 Telephone: Job Order Line (for employers): Job Information Line: Facsimile: Regina.CanSask@gov.sk.ca Canada-Saskatchewan Labour Market Services Moose Jaw 61A Ross Street West MOOSE JAW SK S6H 2M2 Telephone: Job Order Line (for employers): Job Information Line: Facsimile: MooseJaw.CanSask@gov.sk.ca Economy Canada-Saskatchewan Labour Market Services Saskatoon First Avenue North SASKATOON SK S7K 2H6 Telephone: Job Order Line (for employers): Job Information Line: Facsimile: Saskatoon.CanSask@gov.sk.ca Canada-Saskatchewan Labour Market Services Prince Albert 1288 Central Avenue PRINCE ALBERT SK S6V 6G1 Telephone: Job Order Line (for employers): Job Information Line: Facsimile: PrinceAlbert.CanSask@gov.sk.ca 26

27 service Canada-Saskatchewan Business Services Centre Saskatoon Suite 2, rd Avenue South SASKATOON SK S7K 1M6 Telephone: or Toll free: Facsimile: Energy and Resources Minerals, Lands and Policy Division th Avenue REGINA SK S4P 3Z8 Curriculum Unit French Programs 2220 College Avenue, 6 th Floor REGINA SK S4P 4V9 Telephone: Facsimile: Francophone Affairs Branch Victoria Avenue REGINA SK S4P 3T2 Telephone: Facsimile: fab-daf@gov.sk.ca Protocol Office 1831 College Avenue REGINA SK S4P 4V5 Telephone: Toll free: Facsimile: honours@gov.sk.ca Settlement and Language Unit Apprenticeship and Workforce Skills 1945 Hamilton Street, 12 th Floor REGINA SK S4P 2C8 Telephone: Education Stakeholder Relations 2220 College Avenue, 5 th Floor REGINA SK S4P 4V9 Telephone: Facsimile: Executive Council Saskatchewan French-Language Services Centre «Bonjour!» Toll free: bonjour@gov.sk.ca 27

28 Health HealthLine 811 HealthLine service is offered in English, with translation services in a wide variety of other languages including French. service Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan 3475 Albert Street, 3 rd Floor REGINA SK S4S 6X6 Telephone: Court Services Regina 1815 Smith Street REGINA SK S4P 2N5 Telephone: Facsimile: Court Services Estevan th Street East ESTEVAN SK S4A 0W5 Telephone: Facsimile: Labour Standards Branch 1870 Albert Street, 3 rd Floor REGINA SK S4P 4W1 Toll Free Telephone: Facsimile: Justice and Attorney General Court Services Saskatoon th Street East SASKATOON SK S7K 0A2 Telephone: Facsimile: Labour Relations and Workplace Safety 28

29 service Visitor Services 2405 Legislative Drive REGINA SK S4S 0B3 Telephone: Facsimile: General Information: Visitor Services: Office of the Clerk Room 239, Legislative Building 2405 Legislative Drive REGINA SK S4S 0B3 Telephone: Facsimile: House Public Tours 4607 Dewdney Avenue REGINA SK S4T 1B7 Telephone: Facsimile: Communications Branch 3211 Albert Street, 1 st Floor REGINA SK S4S 5W6 Telephone: Facsimile: Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan Legislative Library Legislative Drive REGINA SK S4S 0B3 Telephone: reference@legassembly.sk.ca Sergeant-at-Arms Room 128, Legislative Building 2405 Legislative Drive REGINA SK S4S 0B3 Telephone: Office of the Provincial Capital Commission Parks, Culture and Sport Social Services Child & Family Services, Housing, Income Assistance Client Services Centre: Telephone:

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