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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

Ontario and Nunavut Region

Regional Director-General Office

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.	1. Ontario Nunavut Region (ONR) - RDGO maintained a full-time Official Language (OL) Coordinator in the Region to develop s. 41, Official Languages Act (OLA);	1. A full-time OL coordinator was assigned to the ONR from April 4, 2005 to March 31, 2006. The position was housed in the Human Resources Services Directory (HRSD). The coordinator promoted Part VII of the OLA with senior managers and program officers. The presence of a full-time OL coordinator increased the visibility of the Official Languages file among staff and allowed more time to be spent in the promotion and understanding of Part VII with employees and program officers during the year. The coordinator provided information and articles to be posted on the Intranet site (Onsite) relevant to Official Languages;
2. OL Coordinator informed Regional Executive Committee (REC) and staff regarding OLMCs and their responsibilities under s. 41 OLA;	2. Regular updates were provided to Regional Executive Committee (REC). Directors and program managers were kept informed by presentations and emails. This improved shared knowledge, presence and relation with the Ontario and Nunavut Francophone communities. Information was also disseminated to senior managers and direct contacts were established with program officers dealing with OLMCs in Region;
3. ONR-RDGO ensured that communiqués were sent to OLMCs in both official languages;	3. Access to documents and services in French across the Region provided to OLMC's.

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.

1. Ontario Nunavut Region (ONR) - RDGO maintained a full-time Official Language (OL) Coordinator in the Region to develop s. 41, Official Languages Act (OLA);

1. A full-time OL coordinator was assigned to the ONR from April 4, 2005 to March 31, 2006. The position was housed in the Human Resources Services Directory (HRSD). The coordinator promoted Part VII of the OLA with senior managers and program officers. The presence of a full-time OL coordinator increased the visibility of the Official Languages file among staff and allowed more time to be spent in the promotion and understanding of Part VII with employees and program officers during the year. The coordinator provided information and articles to be posted on the Intranet site (Onsite) relevant to Official Languages;

2. OL Coordinator informed Regional Executive Committee (REC) and staff regarding OLMCs and their responsibilities under s. 41 OLA;

2. Regular updates were provided to Regional Executive Committee (REC). Directors and program managers were kept informed by presentations and emails. This improved shared knowledge, presence and relation with the Ontario and Nunavut Francophone communities. Information was also disseminated to senior managers and direct contacts were established with program officers dealing with OLMCs in Region;

3. ONR-RDGO ensured that communiqués were sent to OLMCs in both official languages;

3. Access to documents and services in French across the Region provided to OLMC's.

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.	1. The ONR resumed the HC Regional OL Interbranch Committee, composed of regional branch representatives;	1. Two meetings were held with the HC Regional OL Interbranch Committee. This resulted in information sharing in-house on emerging trends and issues facing the OLMCs. Direct contact and participation of the OLMCs was also done by the program officers through their respective branch programs. Solicitations were distributed to OLMCs by program areas;
2. OL Coordinator networked with OLMCs to hear about their concerns/needs.	2. OL Coordinator contacted the « réseaux » de santé de la Société Santé en français de l'Ontario et du Nunavut and communicated relevant information to the Region. She also met and held telephone conferences with OLMCs and professionals in the health sector in Ontario. She participated in major conferences this year, one at the national level and provincial level and, two departmental forums where OLMCs' needs and concerns were discussed. She also established good contacts with counterparts and stakeholders in 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 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.

1. The ONR resumed the HC Regional OL Interbranch Committee, composed of regional branch representatives;

1. Two meetings were held with the HC Regional OL Interbranch Committee. This resulted in information sharing in-house on emerging trends and issues facing the OLMCs. Direct contact and participation of the OLMCs was also done by the program officers through their respective branch programs. Solicitations were distributed to OLMCs by program areas;

2. OL Coordinator networked with OLMCs to hear about their concerns/needs.

2. OL Coordinator contacted the « réseaux » de santé de la Société Santé en français de l'Ontario et du Nunavut and communicated relevant information to the Region. She also met and held telephone conferences with OLMCs and professionals in the health sector in Ontario. She participated in major conferences this year, one at the national level and provincial level and, two departmental forums where OLMCs' needs and concerns were discussed. She also established good contacts with counterparts and stakeholders in the Region.

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.	1. OLMCs were informed on Health Canada's programs and services;	1. OLMCs were informed by the branches, rather than the Regional Director General's Office (RDGO). RDGO was kept informed of progress with OLMCs via the REC.
2. Increased visibility of HC-ONR at Official Languages' events to provide OLMCs with information;	2. The OL Coordinator participated in numerous events to increase lasting partnerships;
3. Maintain a bilingual ONR web site in the Region.	3. ONR web site is up-to-date in both official languages and provides information to 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.

1. OLMCs were informed on Health Canada's programs and services;

1. OLMCs were informed by the branches, rather than the Regional Director General's Office (RDGO). RDGO was kept informed of progress with OLMCs via the REC.

2. Increased visibility of HC-ONR at Official Languages' events to provide OLMCs with information;

2. The OL Coordinator participated in numerous events to increase lasting partnerships;

3. Maintain a bilingual ONR web site in the Region.

3. ONR web site is up-to-date in both official languages and provides information to OLMCs.

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.	1. ONR participated in numerous activities on Official Languages in Ontario;	1. The ONR participated in the Ontario Federal Council (OFC) Official Languages Committee meetings, teleconferences and activities. Also participated in other forums and conferences in order to continue to build relationships with other federal institutions. Allowed to track new priorities, policies and programs relevant to OLMCs in Ontario;
2. Maintained contacts with OLMCs organizations;	2. The OL Coordinator met with diverse community groups and organizations;
3. OL Coordinator worked on updating skills, training and gathering resource material.	3. ONR has identified the areas that need more training, collaboration with the branches on OLMCs' consultations and the need for support from REC.

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.

1. ONR participated in numerous activities on Official Languages in Ontario;

1. The ONR participated in the Ontario Federal Council (OFC) Official Languages Committee meetings, teleconferences and activities. Also participated in other forums and conferences in order to continue to build relationships with other federal institutions. Allowed to track new priorities, policies and programs relevant to OLMCs in Ontario;

2. Maintained contacts with OLMCs organizations;

2. The OL Coordinator met with diverse community groups and organizations;

3. OL Coordinator worked on updating skills, training and gathering resource material.

3. ONR has identified the areas that need more training, collaboration with the branches on OLMCs' consultations and the need for support from REC.

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.	1. Programs were delivered via Health Canada's Branches rather than the RDGO. OLMCs were solicited by program areas;	1. Solicitations were sent out to OLMCs by the branches;
	2. ONR provided funding and support to OLMCs via ranches.	2. ONR-RDGO is aware of developing more funding relationships with OLMCs in collaboration with the branches.

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.	1. RDGO provided reports to the Official Language Community Development Bureau (OLCDB) and the Diversity and Official Languages Programme (DOLP);	1. RDGO provided status report and action plan for ONR to Headquarters. Reports pertaining to policies, programs and services affecting the OLMCs are currently done by the respective program areas;
	2. An Official Languages Act ion Plan was developed in-house to assess the situation;	2. Assessed the Level of the Region concerning the implementation of the s. 41, OLA. Has included the areas needing more attention in the future Action Plans, ie, more training and awareness sessions to all employees, providing internal information tools, distribution of Bulletin 41-42 to Region and, internal and external research on OLMCs in the ONR;
	3. OL Coordinator consulted with program officers on their relationship with OLMCs;	3. Progress was achieved in connecting with the branches on their consultations with the Francophone community;
	4. OLMCs were an agenda item on REC as needed.	4. OL has been an agenda item on REC on an ad hoc basis.

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Health Products and Food Branch

A. Awareness

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.	1. Ontario Nunavut Health Products and Food Branch (ONR-HPFB) supported the regional Official Languages (OL) coordinator in raising awareness of the OLMCs and their needs;	1. 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; Simultaneous dissemination, in both official languages, of all branch wide communiques within the region; Regional Director (RD) participated in OMLC presentation and discussion at Regional Executive Committee (REC) meeting.

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.

1. Ontario Nunavut Health Products and Food Branch (ONR-HPFB) supported the regional Official Languages (OL) coordinator in raising awareness of the OLMCs and their needs;

1. 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;

Simultaneous dissemination, in both official languages, of all branch wide communiques within the region;

Regional Director (RD) participated in OMLC presentation and discussion at Regional Executive Committee (REC) meeting.

B. 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
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.	1. ONR-HPFB ensured that OLMCs are part of the regional stakeholder list and made aware of up-coming consultations regarding new programs and policies;	1. Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) participated in meetings with the OLMCs to learn about their needs and obstacles to accessing our programs; Staff distributed bilingual information on HPFBs programs and policies pertaining to OLMCs;
2. ONR-HPFB consults with OLMCs to learn about their needs and issues.	2. Participated in meetings with the OLMCs to learn more about their concerns, needs and obstacles to accessing programs; ONR-HPFB's bilingual staff attended the French Language Health Fair held in the Fall of 2005 in downtown Toronto where staff had the opportunity to meet the OLMCs face-to-face and learn about their needs; The regional stakeholder database, the SIMS is kept up-to-date; ONR-HPFB participated in the launch of the new database site Cliquez santé developed by Le Regroupement des intervenantes et intervenants francophones en santé et en services sociaux de l'Ontario (RIFSSSO), listing names and contact information of French speaking health professionals in Ontario.

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.

1. ONR-HPFB ensured that OLMCs are part of the regional stakeholder list and made aware of up-coming consultations regarding new programs and policies;

1. Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) participated in meetings with the OLMCs to learn about their needs and obstacles to accessing our programs;

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

2. ONR-HPFB consults with OLMCs to learn about their needs and issues.

2. Participated in meetings with the OLMCs to learn more about their concerns, needs and obstacles to accessing programs;

ONR-HPFB's bilingual staff attended the French Language Health Fair held in the Fall of 2005 in downtown Toronto where staff had the opportunity to meet the OLMCs face-to-face and learn about their needs;

The regional stakeholder database, the SIMS is kept up-to-date;

ONR-HPFB participated in the launch of the new database site Cliquez santé developed by Le Regroupement des intervenantes et intervenants francophones en santé et en services sociaux de l'Ontario (RIFSSSO), listing names and contact information of French speaking health professionals in Ontario.

C. Communications

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.	1. ONR-HPFB continued to provide open communications and to broaden networking opportunities with the OLMCs to find solutions to obstacles in accessing HPFB's programs;	1. Attended an event that promoted health care in French in the province which provided staff the opportunity to meet OLMCs, learn about their needs and added their contact information into the SIMS database;
2. ONR-HPFB staff worked with the Regional Official Languages Coordinator, the OLMCs and local networks to ensure that the information is up-to-date and new information added.	2. Participated in the Regional Official Language Interbranch Committee twice and held numerous telephone calls on Health Canada's policy on Part VII with the Regional OL Coordinator; Shared information and knowledge with Branch staff from discussions held in the Regional Official Language Interbranch Committee meetings.

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.

1. ONR-HPFB continued to provide open communications and to broaden networking opportunities with the OLMCs to find solutions to obstacles in accessing HPFB's programs;

1. Attended an event that promoted health care in French in the province which provided staff the opportunity to meet OLMCs, learn about their needs and added their contact information into the SIMS database;

2. ONR-HPFB staff worked with the Regional Official Languages Coordinator, the OLMCs and local networks to ensure that the information is up-to-date and new information added.

2. Participated in the Regional Official Language Interbranch Committee twice and held numerous telephone calls on Health Canada's policy on Part VII with the Regional OL Coordinator;

Shared information and knowledge with Branch staff from discussions held in the Regional Official Language Interbranch Committee meetings.

D. Coordination And Liaison

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.	1. ONR-HPFB continued to share information on OLMCs priorities;	1. ONR-HPFB shared information with federal, provincial, municipal departments and agencies as appropriate and when opportunities arised; Attended community meetings;
2. The Branch worked with the OL Coordinator to ensure that the Official Languages Act requirements are considered in day-to-day in ONR-HPFB activities;	2. Worked in collaboration with the Regional OL Coordinator and shared information and concerns;

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.

1. ONR-HPFB continued to share information on OLMCs priorities;

1. ONR-HPFB shared information with federal, provincial, municipal departments and agencies as appropriate and when opportunities arised;

Attended community meetings;

2. The Branch worked with the OL Coordinator to ensure that the Official Languages Act requirements are considered in day-to-day in ONR-HPFB activities;

2. Worked in collaboration with the Regional OL Coordinator and shared information and concerns;

E. Funding And Program Delivery

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.	1. ONR-HPFB staff strived to explore all possibilities for partnership with OLMCs in an attempt to improve the OLMCs' access to Branch programs;	1. ONR-HPFB staff attended two meetings with the Official Languages Coordinator to improve OLMCs access to Health Canada's programs and initiatives;
	2. ONR-HPFB continued to liaise with important umbrella organizations such as.Le Regroupement des intervenantes et intervenants francophones en santé et en services sociaux de l'Ontario (RIFSSSO), to learn about their members' needs;	2. Staff attended meetings and the French Language Health Fair where they had direct contact with the francophone community in the province;
	3. Translated Branch documents were distributed to stakeholders.	3. All communications made available in both official languages.

F. Accountability

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.	1. Regular contacts with Regional OL Coordinator on Part VII.	1. Provided action plan and status report which made ONR-HPFB more aware of future need to carry evaluations and regular internal audits pertaining to the way policies, programs and services affected the OLMCs.

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Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch

A. Awareness

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.	1. Promoted the bilingual character of Canada by ensuring that all regional communiques were expressed in both official languages simultaneously. This was reminded during a HECS-ONR All Staff Town Hall during fiscal year 2005-2006;	1. Simultaneous dissemination, in both official languages, of all branch wide communiques within the region. All external communications were distributed simultaneously in both official languages;
2. Ensured staff training on OLMCs requirements. This was done during a HECS-ONR All Staff Town Hall during fiscal year 2005-2006;	2. Regional Director (RD) participated in OMLC presentation and discussion at Regional Executive Committee (REC) meeting.
3. The Branch Management Team (BMT) has assigned a point person who's responsibility will be to manage official languages considerations within the Branch. The position assigned this task is Head, Management Services within the Regional Director's Office.	3. While opportunities for specialised projects were considered, none were undertaken.

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.

1. Promoted the bilingual character of Canada by ensuring that all regional communiques were expressed in both official languages simultaneously. This was reminded during a HECS-ONR All Staff Town Hall during fiscal year 2005-2006;

1. Simultaneous dissemination, in both official languages, of all branch wide communiques within the region. All external communications were distributed simultaneously in both official languages;

2. Ensured staff training on OLMCs requirements. This was done during a HECS-ONR All Staff Town Hall during fiscal year 2005-2006;

2. Regional Director (RD) participated in OMLC presentation and discussion at Regional Executive Committee (REC) meeting.

3. The Branch Management Team (BMT) has assigned a point person who's responsibility will be to manage official languages considerations within the Branch. The position assigned this task is Head, Management Services within the Regional Director's Office.

3. While opportunities for specialised projects were considered, none were undertaken.

B. 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
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.	1. The Drug Strategy and Controlled Substances Programme (DSCSP) informed OLMCs of its January 2005 solicitation for funding proposals through bilingual email notices and web postings. All potential applicants, including OLMCs, were encouraged to contact DSCSP staff to discuss any questions or concerns regarding the funding application process. DSCSP officials also supported the submission of funding proposals in either official language, and proposals addressing the needs of OLMCs were given up to two bonus credits at the proposal assessment stage;	1. During the January 2005 solicitation, over 200 inquiries were fielded by DSCSP staff, many of which came directly from OLMCs or from organizations preparing proposals that would address OLMC requirements. Out of the 149 funding proposals received in Ontario, two were submitted in French. Several proposals received bonus credits at the proposal assessment stage for addressing OLMC requirements.

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.

1. The Drug Strategy and Controlled Substances Programme (DSCSP) informed OLMCs of its January 2005 solicitation for funding proposals through bilingual email notices and web postings. All potential applicants, including OLMCs, were encouraged to contact DSCSP staff to discuss any questions or concerns regarding the funding application process. DSCSP officials also supported the submission of funding proposals in either official language, and proposals addressing the needs of OLMCs were given up to two bonus credits at the proposal assessment stage;

1. During the January 2005 solicitation, over 200 inquiries were fielded by DSCSP staff, many of which came directly from OLMCs or from organizations preparing proposals that would address OLMC requirements. Out of the 149 funding proposals received in Ontario, two were submitted in French. Several proposals received bonus credits at the proposal assessment stage for addressing OLMC requirements.

C. Communications

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.	1. HECS-ONR continues to open communication and broaden networking opportunities with the OLMCs to find solutions to obstacles to of Health Canada's programs. HECS-ONR staff who work on communications material targeted at the public continue to produce documentation in both official languages. As required, the Translation Bureau is contracted to translate material either originating in English or French into both languages	1. Active participation of OLMCs in networking committees, meetings and activities. The Head, Management Services, HECS-ONR continues to represent the Branch in OLMC related activities and shares information and knowledge as required with Programme personnel. Currently there are no obstacles to report with respect to external communications;
2. The Branch works with the regional OL Coordinator, the OLMCs and local networks to ensure that the information we have is kept current and to identify emerging trends. The recent presentation given to the REC provided an important overview of the OLMCs in Ontario. Similar presentations help identify emerging trends in OLMCs;	2. An up-to-date regional mailing list will be established for communication dissemination. Individual programmes maintain stakeholder contact lists to ensure efficient dissemination of programme related material to key clients.

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.

1. HECS-ONR continues to open communication and broaden networking opportunities with the OLMCs to find solutions to obstacles to of Health Canada's programs. HECS-ONR staff who work on communications material targeted at the public continue to produce documentation in both official languages. As required, the Translation Bureau is contracted to translate material either originating in English or French into both languages

1. Active participation of OLMCs in networking committees, meetings and activities. The Head, Management Services, HECS-ONR continues to represent the Branch in OLMC related activities and shares information and knowledge as required with Programme personnel. Currently there are no obstacles to report with respect to external communications;

2. The Branch works with the regional OL Coordinator, the OLMCs and local networks to ensure that the information we have is kept current and to identify emerging trends. The recent presentation given to the REC provided an important overview of the OLMCs in Ontario. Similar presentations help identify emerging trends in OLMCs;

2. An up-to-date regional mailing list will be established for communication dissemination. Individual programmes maintain stakeholder contact lists to ensure efficient dissemination of programme related material to key clients.

D. Coordination And Liaison

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.	1. The Branch works with the regional Official Languages Coordinator to ensure that the Official Languages Act requirements are considered in day-to-day Branch activities. The Head, Management Services, HECS-ONR represents the Branch on the Ontario Nunavut Regional Official Languages Committee and shares information and knowledge as required with Programme personnel;	1. Participation of the OL Coordinator at national official language forums, national meetings, retreats or other. No activities of this stature were undertaken by the HECS-ONR representative; Development of an annual review process to ensure compliance. As external OL compliance is not an issue with HECS-ONR, no review process is required. HECS-ONR continues to actively participate in Corporate Reporting. Individual HECS Programmes include processes to ensure that material and services are provided in both official languages;
2. HECS team members participated in and worked with interdepartmental, inter-governmental and various funders networks such as Heritage Canada. Possible joint initiatives and/or consultation for concurrence will be confirmed where relevant.	2. Nil. No projects were funded or joint initiatives pursued during this period.

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.

1. The Branch works with the regional Official Languages Coordinator to ensure that the Official Languages Act requirements are considered in day-to-day Branch activities. The Head, Management Services, HECS-ONR represents the Branch on the Ontario Nunavut Regional Official Languages Committee and shares information and knowledge as required with Programme personnel;

1. Participation of the OL Coordinator at national official language forums, national meetings, retreats or other. No activities of this stature were undertaken by the HECS-ONR representative; Development of an annual review process to ensure compliance.

As external OL compliance is not an issue with HECS-ONR, no review process is required. HECS-ONR continues to actively participate in Corporate Reporting. Individual HECS Programmes include processes to ensure that material and services are provided in both official languages;

2. HECS team members participated in and worked with interdepartmental, inter-governmental and various funders networks such as Heritage Canada. Possible joint initiatives and/or consultation for concurrence will be confirmed where relevant.

2. Nil. No projects were funded or joint initiatives pursued during this period.

E. Funding And Program Delivery

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.	1. HECS team members strove to explore all possibilities for partnership with OLMCs in an attempt to improve the OMLCs' access to programs and services;	1. OLMCs have improved access to services in their communities; for example, tobacco inspectors provide services in both official languages.
	2. Ontario planned to encourage discussions related to the possibility of a National strategy or possible cooperation amongst regions to include a collaborative effort to ensure a more coordinated effort to better serve the OLMC across the country;	2. We started to communicate with the ONR HC OL coordinator. We kept ourselves informed of current issues, events and training opportunities. We attended a regional Public Service OL Forum in January 2006. We made efforts to solicit proposals that help to identify unique ways to address tobacco related issues amongst the OLMC. We collaborated with Heritage Canada and jointly funded an initiative that specifically had the OLMC as a priority.
	3. We have ongoing partnership with the Program Training Consultation Centre (PTCC) to assure a continued support to the OLMCs of Ontario related to frontline staff training on tobacco related programmes and services.	3.Tobacco Control Strategy grants and contribution funds are administered in both official languages.

F. Accountability

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.	1. Integrated OLMC indicators in conjunction with programme indicators. During fiscal year 2005-2006 no initiatives were undertaken to specifically link OLMC indicators to the Report on Plans and Priorities or other departmental planning documents. This is largely as a result of the fact that the Regional Priority Plan (RPP) is developed at a far higher scale that at which HECS-ONR operates. However, both the Tobacco Control Programme and the Drug Strategy and Controlled Substances Programme (and, as required, the Product Safety Progamme) provided services and funding to OLMCs.	1. Extra efforts to be made to ensure that OLMSs are aware and understand the solicitation process so that they can compete for funding on equal footing. Proposals that address OLMCs requirements are also given bonus credits at the assessment stage to further enhance OLMCs success in obtaining funding.

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Proactive Disclosure

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

Principal Achievements

Ontario and Nunavut Region

Regional Director-General Office

Health Products and Food Branch

Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch