Official languages – Still on the front page at Public Works and Government Services Canada

Each week, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) posts on its Intranet site homepage an Official Languages Fact of the Week / Info capsule de la semaine sur les langues officielles. The purpose of the initiative is to provide all PWGSC employees with information on various subjects related to official languages. For example, the site contains information about certain policy statements, the conduct of meetings, how to make an effective active offer, what the different second language proficiency levels mean, and who is entitled to the bilingualism bonus.

The goal of the initiative is to raise employees’ awareness about linguistic duality and inform them of their rights and obligations arising from the Official Languages Act.

Contact: Julie Lemieux, julie.a.lemieux@tpsgc.gc.ca.

Public Works and Government Services Canada adopts four official languages values

The four official languages values adopted at PWGSC now form the basis for our official languages program. The values are as follows: respect, transparency, professionalism and excellence.

• Respect means having an open and receptive attitude toward the choice made by our clients or employees to express themselves in one or the other of the official languages.
• Transparency means clearly, objectively and openly explaining all our decisions concerning language of communications and services and designation of positions on the basis of the tasks to be performed.
• Professionalism means addressing our challenges while complying with established standards.
• Excellence means doing an outstanding job and demonstrating leadership on a daily basis in order to achieve the best results.

These four values are an integral part of messages sent to employees (e.g. accountability framework, departmental policies, internal communication plan, awareness tools, etc.).

Contact: Sylvie Jalbert, sylvie.jalbert@tpsgc.gc.ca.

Making your organization bilingual – A guide and practical tools developed at Canadian Heritage

There is no magic formula for making an organization bilingual. Like any other process of change, the actual implementation must be tailored to an organization's individual situation and needs, phased in gradually and, above all, regularly reviewed. This site provides valuable information designed to guide organizations through the process.

Take a look at the site!

Contact: Philippe Laurencelle, philippe_laurencelle@pch.gc.ca.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission: A natural setting for language rights

The Commission owes it to itself to set the example. In today's Canada, its priorities rest on the principles of sound management and the creation of an environment defined by respect for others, ongoing dialogue with employees, and pride in speaking the official language of one's choice.

Contact: Nicole Morin, nicole.morin@chrc.ccdp.ca