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Health Canada Status Report 2005/06 in support of Part VII of the Official Languages Act

Table of Contents

Principal Achievements

Health Products And Food Branch

A. Awareness

Training, information, orientation, awareness & communication activities carried out in house in order to educate employees and/or senior managers of Health Canada about linguistic duality and the priorities of OLMCs; senior manager performance contracts and recognition programs; taking the viewpoint of OLMCs into account during research, studies and investigations.

Main expected results for the period covered by the action plan	Main activities carried out for the year covered by the status report	Progress (results) achieved for the year covered by the status report
Employees and senior managers are aware of the importance of promoting the bilingual character of Canada. Branches, division and/or regions are informed about linguistic duality and OLMCs and they understand their responsibilities to OLMCs. They consult on a continous basis with OLMCs with regard to new priorities, initiatives, policies and programs.	Atlantic Region -Migration and verification of Stakeholders Atlantic Region contact Information into Stakeholders Information Management System (SIMS) database by OCAPI. -Stakeholders Analysis and mapping of the branch included OLMCs stakeholders groups from all four Atlantic provinces.	Atlantic Region -OLMCs stakeholders were invited to participate in HPFB Atlantic Region consultations (on-line, and face to face session). -Atlantic Region OLMCs were identified on the stakeholders groups map.
Manitoba and Saskatchewan -During rendez-vous de la francophonie week Conseil jeunesse provincial presented L'ABC de l'Histoire du français au Manitoba (ABCs of French History in Manitoba) for employees. -Request OL Coordinator to provide information session directed towards reception.	Manitoba and Saskatchewan -Many employees participated and enjoyed the session. -This will be completed this year, due to staffing of the position it was not requested until position filled with indeterminate person.
Ontario and Nunavut Region -Contact lists and Stakeholder Information Management System (SIMS) database containing OLMC groups were updated and they were advised of opportunities for input into HPFB priorities, new initiatives, policies and programs. They were also advised of public involvement consultations held during the past year.Quebec Regional Office	Ontario and Nunavut Region -Regional Director participated in OMLC presentation and discussion at Regional Executive Committee meeting. -Official Language posters used on-site and pamphlets made availalbe to all staff.
Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT) -Have a Branch Representative on the OL Reference Group and staff are made aware of activities.	Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT) -Employees are being made aware of the activities of the Official Language Reference Group.

Main expected results for the period covered by the action plan

Main activities carried out for the year covered by the status report

Progress (results) achieved for the year covered by the status report

Employees and senior managers are aware of the importance of promoting the bilingual character of Canada.

Branches, division and/or regions are informed about linguistic duality and OLMCs and they understand their responsibilities to OLMCs. They consult on a continous basis with OLMCs with regard to new priorities, initiatives, policies and programs.

Atlantic Region

-Migration and verification of Stakeholders Atlantic Region contact Information into Stakeholders Information Management System (SIMS) database by OCAPI.

-Stakeholders Analysis and mapping of the branch included OLMCs stakeholders groups from all four Atlantic provinces.

Atlantic Region

-OLMCs stakeholders were invited to participate in HPFB Atlantic Region consultations (on-line, and face to face session).

-Atlantic Region OLMCs were identified on the stakeholders groups map.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan

-During rendez-vous de la francophonie week Conseil jeunesse provincial presented L'ABC de l'Histoire du français au Manitoba (ABCs of French History in Manitoba) for employees.

-Request OL Coordinator to provide information session directed towards reception.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan

-Many employees participated and enjoyed the session.

-This will be completed this year, due to staffing of the position it was not requested until position filled with indeterminate person.

Ontario and Nunavut Region

-Contact lists and Stakeholder Information Management System (SIMS) database containing OLMC groups were updated and they were advised of opportunities for input into HPFB priorities, new initiatives, policies and programs. They were also advised of public involvement consultations held during the past year.Quebec Regional Office

Ontario and Nunavut Region

-Regional Director participated in OMLC presentation and discussion at Regional Executive Committee meeting.

-Official Language posters used on-site and pamphlets made availalbe to all staff.

Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT)

-Have a Branch Representative on the OL Reference Group and staff are made aware of activities.

Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT)

-Employees are being made aware of the activities of the Official Language Reference Group.

B. Consultations

Activities (e.g. committees, discussions, meetings) through which Health Canada consults the OLMCs and dialogues with them to identify their needs and priorities or to understand potential impacts on their development; activities (e.g. round tables) to explore possibilities for cooperation within the existing mandate of Health Canada 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.

Main expected results for the period covered by the action plan	Main activities carried out for the year covered by the status report	Progress (results) achieved for the year covered by the status report
The OLMCs have the opportunity to make their needs known and to explain obstacles to accessing Health Canada's programs . The OLMCs are part of the regular clientele of the regional offices and are taken into consideration when new departmental programs and policies are implemented.	Atlantic Region -HPFB Atlantic Region hosted ONPP Regional Dietary Guidance meetings in May of 2005 in all four Atlantic provinces. -Atlantic Food Security forum was held in Halifax in March 2006; OLMCs stakeholders were invited to participate.	Atlantic Region -OLMCs stakeholders were invited to participate in each of the session; -Facilitation was available in both French and English as well as materials.
Ontario and Nunavut Region -Health Products and Food Branch participated in meetings with the OLMCs to learn about their needs and obstacles to accessing our programs. -The Branch continues to provide open communications and to broaden networking opportunities with the OLMCs to find solutions to obstacles in accessing HPFB's programs.	Ontario and Nunavut Region -Staff distributed bilingual information on HPFBs programs and policies pertaining to OLMCs. -Attendance at the French Language Health Fair held in the Fall '05 provided staff the opportunity to meet OLMCs, learn about their needs and added their contact information into the SIMS database. -Staff had the opportunity to meet the OLMCs face-to-face and learned of their needs. -HPFB staff attended a meeting of Le Regroupement des intervenantes et intervenants francophones en santé et en services sociaux de l'Ontario (RIFSSSO) to showcase a database developed by them listing names and contact information of french speaking health professionals in Ontario.
Quebec Regional Office -Review of Canada's Food Guide: May 2005, Montreal. OLMCs were invited. -E-mails were sent to OLMCs and other Quebec organizations to inform them of ongoing consultation activities online	Quebec Regional Office -Anglophone participants were present, but no known OLMCs. -OLMC participation unknown.

Main expected results for the period covered by the action plan

Main activities carried out for the year covered by the status report

Progress (results) achieved for the year covered by the status report

The OLMCs have the opportunity to make their needs known and to explain obstacles to accessing Health Canada's programs .

The OLMCs are part of the regular clientele of the regional offices and are taken into consideration when new departmental programs and policies are implemented.

Atlantic Region

-HPFB Atlantic Region hosted ONPP Regional Dietary Guidance meetings in May of 2005 in all four Atlantic provinces.

-Atlantic Food Security forum was held in Halifax in March 2006; OLMCs stakeholders were invited to participate.

Atlantic Region

-OLMCs stakeholders were invited to participate in each of the session;

-Facilitation was available in both French and English as well as materials.

Ontario and Nunavut Region

-Health Products and Food Branch participated in meetings with the OLMCs to learn about their needs and obstacles to accessing our programs.

-The Branch continues to provide open communications and to broaden networking opportunities with the OLMCs to find solutions to obstacles in accessing HPFB's programs.

Ontario and Nunavut Region

-Staff distributed bilingual information on HPFBs programs and policies pertaining to OLMCs.

-Attendance at the French Language Health Fair held in the Fall '05 provided staff the opportunity to meet OLMCs, learn about their needs and added their contact information into the SIMS database.

-Staff had the opportunity to meet the OLMCs face-to-face and learned of their needs.

-HPFB staff attended a meeting of Le Regroupement des intervenantes et intervenants francophones en santé et en services sociaux de l'Ontario (RIFSSSO) to showcase a database developed by them listing names and contact information of french speaking health professionals in Ontario.

Quebec Regional Office

-Review of Canada's Food Guide: May 2005, Montreal. OLMCs were invited.

-E-mails were sent to OLMCs and other Quebec organizations to inform them of ongoing consultation activities online

Quebec Regional Office

-Anglophone participants were present, but no known OLMCs.

-OLMC participation unknown.

C. Communications

External communications activities to inform OLMCs about the activities, programs and policies of Health Canada and to promote the bilingual character of Canada; inclusion of OLMCs in all information lists and distribution lists; use of the Health Canada's Web site to communicate with OLMCs.

Main expected results for the period covered by the action plan	Main activities carried out for the year covered by the status report	Progress (results) achieved for the year covered by the status report
OLMCs receive up-to-date information on Health Canada's programs and services by various vehicles of communication. Health Canada becomes a regular user of OLMC media by buying antenna time and advertising space from them.	Atlantic Region -Atlantic Region staff have continually updated stakeholders OLMCs contact information via PHAC and the Official Languages Coordinator	Atlantic Region -Up to date OLMCs list made available to all staff within HPFB Atlantic Region for use when organizing meetings with stakeholders (On-going)
Manitoba and Saskatchewan -Ensure OLMC groups are included in the new stakeholders database being prepared.	Manitoba and Saskatchewan -OLMC Groups from both Manitoba and Saskatchewan are included in the Stakeholders Information Management System.
Ontario and Nunavut Region -HPFB staff works with the Regional Official Languages Coordinator, the OLMCs and local networks to ensure that the Stakeholders Information Management Systems (SIMS) is up-to-date.	Ontario and Nunavut Region -Attendance at the RIFSSSO meeting held on March 05, 2006 was an excellent venue to obtain current names and contact information for local OLMCs in Ontario; this information was used to update the SIMS database.
Quebec Regional Office -Information session on the regulation of novel foods, May 18, 2005, Montreal. -Kiosk at the event: Sutton en Vie: October 2005: Information available in both languages. -Parents and Kids Fair: Information available in both languages.	Quebec Regional Office -No OLMCs present. -Anglophone members of the public present.
Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT) -Provided publications and other Branch material to stakeholders in both Official languages. When necessary utilized Bilingual staff to outreach with stakeholders. -Provided web-base and hard copy materials including invitations, documents and publications on Branch initiatives and activities in french i.e Clinical Trial Registration & Disclosure of Information, Food Stakeholder Symposium.	Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT) -OLMC's were able to access health information so that they could make appropriate healthy lifestyle choices. -OLMC's were more aware of the activities of the Branch and were able to take an active part and state their concerns in symposiums and consultations.

Main expected results for the period covered by the action plan

Main activities carried out for the year covered by the status report

Progress (results) achieved for the year covered by the status report

OLMCs receive up-to-date information on Health Canada's programs and services by various vehicles of communication.

Health Canada becomes a regular user of OLMC media by buying antenna time and advertising space from them.

Atlantic Region

-Atlantic Region staff have continually updated stakeholders OLMCs contact information via PHAC and the Official Languages Coordinator

Atlantic Region

-Up to date OLMCs list made available to all staff within HPFB Atlantic Region for use when organizing meetings with stakeholders (On-going)

Manitoba and Saskatchewan

-Ensure OLMC groups are included in the new stakeholders database being prepared.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan

-OLMC Groups from both Manitoba and Saskatchewan are included in the Stakeholders Information Management System.

Ontario and Nunavut Region

-HPFB staff works with the Regional Official Languages Coordinator, the OLMCs and local networks to ensure that the Stakeholders Information Management Systems (SIMS) is up-to-date.

Ontario and Nunavut Region

-Attendance at the RIFSSSO meeting held on March 05, 2006 was an excellent venue to obtain current names and contact information for local OLMCs in Ontario; this information was used to update the SIMS database.

Quebec Regional Office

-Information session on the regulation of novel foods, May 18, 2005, Montreal.

-Kiosk at the event: Sutton en Vie: October 2005: Information available in both languages.

-Parents and Kids Fair: Information available in both languages.

Quebec Regional Office

-No OLMCs present.

-Anglophone members of the public present.

Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT)

-Provided publications and other Branch material to stakeholders in both Official languages. When necessary utilized Bilingual staff to outreach with stakeholders.

-Provided web-base and hard copy materials including invitations, documents and publications on Branch initiatives and activities in french i.e Clinical Trial Registration & Disclosure of Information, Food Stakeholder Symposium.

Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT)

-OLMC's were able to access health information so that they could make appropriate healthy lifestyle choices.

-OLMC's were more aware of the activities of the Branch and were able to take an active part and state their concerns in symposiums and consultations.

D. Coordination And Liaison

Coordination of activities (research, studies, meetings, etc) carried out by Health Canada itself along with other federal departments or other levels of government; participation in activities organized by other federal departments or other levels of government, etc; participation of official languages champions, national and regional coordinators, etc., in various government forums.

Main expected results for the period covered by the action plan	Main activities carried out for the year covered by the status report	Progress (results) achieved for the year covered by the status report
Coordinators are using the best practices that have been presented at various forums, retreats or at meetings of national coordinators responsible for section 41 of the OLA. Health Canada is working with multiple partners to meet the priorities of the OLMCs.	Manitoba and Saskatchewan -Regional branch participation on the Regional Official Languages Group. -Attend presentations by Official Languages Coordinator at the Regional Executive Committee Meetings. -Add Official Languages as a standing item on management committee meetings.	Manitoba and Saskatchewan -Regional Director or alternate attended the meetings of the OL Regional Reference Group where possible. -Attended Regional Executive Committee Meetings where OL Coordinator presented information. -Official Languages discussed at management committee meetings.
Ontario and Nunavut Region -The Branch works with the Official Languages Coordinator to ensure that the Official Languages Act requirements are considered in day-to-day Branch activities. A member of the HPFB regional management team represents the Branch on the Regional Official Languages Committee and shares information and knowledge with Branch staff. -Staff attended the French Language Health Fair in the Fall of '05	Ontario and Nunavut Region -Staff continue to liaise with RIFSSSO and also attended a meeting to learn about a new database they developed containing information on French speaking health professionals in Ontario. - Met the OLMCs and learned of their needs to access the Branch's Programs.
Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT) -Coordinators participate in meetings and receive and disperse information to the Region in e-mails and newsletters.	Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT) Coordinators are informed of the best practices and share that information with managers and staff.

Main expected results for the period covered by the action plan

Main activities carried out for the year covered by the status report

Progress (results) achieved for the year covered by the status report

Coordinators are using the best practices that have been presented at various forums, retreats or at meetings of national coordinators responsible for section 41 of the OLA.

Health Canada is working with multiple partners to meet the priorities of the OLMCs.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan

-Regional branch participation on the Regional Official Languages Group.

-Attend presentations by Official Languages Coordinator at the Regional Executive Committee Meetings.

-Add Official Languages as a standing item on management committee meetings.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan

-Regional Director or alternate attended the meetings of the OL Regional Reference Group where possible.

-Attended Regional Executive Committee Meetings where OL Coordinator presented information.

-Official Languages discussed at management committee meetings.

Ontario and Nunavut Region

-The Branch works with the Official Languages Coordinator to ensure that the Official Languages Act requirements are considered in day-to-day Branch activities. A member of the HPFB regional management team represents the Branch on the Regional Official Languages Committee and shares information and knowledge with Branch staff.

-Staff attended the French Language Health Fair in the Fall of '05

Ontario and Nunavut Region

-Staff continue to liaise with RIFSSSO and also attended a meeting to learn about a new database they developed containing information on French speaking health professionals in Ontario.

- Met the OLMCs and learned of their needs to access the Branch's Programs.

Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT)

-Coordinators participate in meetings and receive and disperse information to the Region in e-mails and newsletters.

Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT)

Coordinators are informed of the best practices and share that information with managers and staff.

E. Funding And Program Delivery

Implementation of Health Canada's programs and delivery of its services; funding, alone or in cooperation with other federal departments/agencies of OLMC projects; inclusion of needs of OLMCs when delivering the department's programs and services.

Main expected results for the period covered by the action plan	Main activities carried out for the year covered by the status report	Progress (results) achieved for the year covered by the status report
The OLMCs have access to Health Canada's programs. The department takes account of the geographical dispersion of the OLMCs in delivering its programs.	Ontario and Nunavut Region -Health Products and Food Branch staff strive to explore all possibilities for partnership with OLMCs in an attempt to improve the OLMCs' access to Branch programs. -HPFB regional staff continues to liaise with RIFSSSO to learn of their members' needs.	Ontario and Nunavut Region -Health Products and Food Branch staff attended two meetings with the Official Languages Coordinator; one in person and the other via conference call. -Staff atended a RIFSSSO meeting and the French Language Health Fair.
Quebec Regional Office Information on food given in both official languages at: -Information meeting on the regulation of food biotechnology in May 2005. -Health Canada kiosk at the Parents and Kids Fair in Quebec City in April 2005. -Health Canada kiosk at the Parents and Kids Fair at Montreal in March 2006.	Quebec Regional Office -Simultaneous interpretation for Anglophone participants and answers to questions in the language of their choice (4 participants). -Background material available in both official languages and answers to questions in the language of their choice (5% of contacts in English). -Background material provided in both official languages and answers to questions in the language of their choice (20% of contacts in English).
Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT) - Publications in both official languages are offered and made available to communities in both Provinces through health units, schools and other contacts.	Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT) OLMCs in outlying areas can contact the Branch on specific issues with incurring long distance costs. Availability of publications in both official languages through community organizations makes information widely available to the Region.

Main expected results for the period covered by the action plan

Main activities carried out for the year covered by the status report

Progress (results) achieved for the year covered by the status report

The OLMCs have access to Health Canada's programs. The department takes account of the geographical dispersion of the OLMCs in delivering its programs.

Ontario and Nunavut Region

-Health Products and Food Branch staff strive to explore all possibilities for partnership with OLMCs in an attempt to improve the OLMCs' access to Branch programs.

-HPFB regional staff continues to liaise with RIFSSSO to learn of their members' needs.

Ontario and Nunavut Region

-Health Products and Food Branch staff attended two meetings with the Official Languages Coordinator; one in person and the other via conference call.

-Staff atended a RIFSSSO meeting and the French Language Health Fair.

Quebec Regional Office

Information on food given in both official languages at:

-Information meeting on the regulation of food biotechnology in May 2005.

-Health Canada kiosk at the Parents and Kids Fair in Quebec City in April 2005.

-Health Canada kiosk at the Parents and Kids Fair at Montreal in March 2006.

Quebec Regional Office

-Simultaneous interpretation for Anglophone participants and answers to questions in the language of their choice (4 participants).

-Background material available in both official languages and answers to questions in the language of their choice (5% of contacts in English).

-Background material provided in both official languages and answers to questions in the language of their choice (20% of contacts in English).

Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT)

- Publications in both official languages are offered and made available to communities in both Provinces through health units, schools and other contacts.

Western Region (B.C./Yukon and Alberta/NWT)

OLMCs in outlying areas can contact the Branch on specific issues with incurring long distance costs.

Availability of publications in both official languages through community organizations makes information widely available to the Region.

F. Accountability

Activities through which Health Canada integrates its OLA section 41 implementation work with the department's planning and accountability mechanisms (e.g. report on plans and priorities, departmental performance report, departmental business plan, status report on implementation of section 41 of the OLA, etc); internal audits and evaluations of programs and services, regular review of programs and services and of policies by senior managers of Health Canada to ensure implementation of section 4 of the OLA.

Main expected results for the period covered by the action plan	Main activities carried out for the year covered by the status report	Progress (results) achieved for the year covered by the status report
Systematic evaluations and regular internal audits are being made and they always include criteria pertaining to the way policies, programs and services have affected OLMCs.	Manitoba and Saskatchewan -Official Languages topic remains on the Regional Directors Performance Report. -One check per month to be conducted in house.	Manitoba and Saskatchewan -Progress was achieved and the Official Languages item is evaluated on the RD's Performance Discussion which is done in April/May. Therefore the evaluation has not been completed yet. -No issues identified.
Ontario and Nunavut Region -Health Products and Food Branch, ONR did not complete any evaluations and regular internal audits pertaining to the way policies, programs and services affected the OLMCs.	Ontario and Nunavut Region NIL

Main expected results for the period covered by the action plan

Main activities carried out for the year covered by the status report

Progress (results) achieved for the year covered by the status report

Systematic evaluations and regular internal audits are being made and they always include criteria pertaining to the way policies, programs and services have affected OLMCs.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan

-Official Languages topic remains on the Regional Directors Performance Report.

-One check per month to be conducted in house.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan

-Progress was achieved and the Official Languages item is evaluated on the RD's Performance Discussion which is done in April/May. Therefore the evaluation has not been completed yet.

-No issues identified.

Ontario and Nunavut Region

-Health Products and Food Branch, ONR did not complete any evaluations and regular internal audits pertaining to the way policies, programs and services affected the OLMCs.

Ontario and Nunavut Region

NIL

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Proactive Disclosure

Health Canada Status Report 2005/06 in support of Part VII of the Official Languages Act

Principal Achievements

Health Products And Food Branch