Health Canada Action Plan 2006/07-2007/08-2008-09 in support of Part VII of the Official Languages Act

Preamble

Health Canada is firmly committed to enhancing the vitality of Canada's francophone and anglophone minorities and supporting their development, in accordance with Part VII of the Official Languages Act. Its commitment is reflected in this Action Plan.

This document was prepared under the supervision of the Official Language Community Development Bureau, which is part of the Health Policy Branch. The Bureau coordinates, for Health Canada, the implementation of Section 41, Part VII of the Official Languages Act, as cited above. The Plan does not include the contribution of the Public Health Agency of Canada. The Agency prepares its own action plan, which contains objectives related to the health sector that are similar to those in the plan developed by Health Canada. The Bureau's mandate is to manage the Department's responsibilities in relation to Part VII; to promote Part VII of the Official Languages Act internally; to serve as liaison office between the official language communities and Health Canada; and to promote and establish partnerships with the official language minority communities. The activities of the Official Language Community Development Bureau also include national activities.

The Action Plan includes the following objectives: 1) a better understanding of the specific needs of official language minority communities; 2) integration of the needs of official language minority communities into the strategic plans of the branches and regions; and 3) greater control by francophone and anglophone communities over Health Canada programs, funded projects and services.