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Report on the National Languages Project

Technical Exchange Mission to Canada

May 28 - June 8, 2012

Report on the National Languages Project Technical Exchange Mission to Canada

1 NLP/MNLSI/CIDA – June 2012

Report on the National Languages Project

Technical Exchange Mission to Canada

May 28 - June 8, 2012



Table of Content Acknowldgement 3

1. Introduction

1.1 Introduction to the National Languages Project 4 1.2 Purpurse of the Technical Exchange Mission 4 1.3 Delegates to the Technical Exchange Mission 5 1.4 Coordination of the Exchange Program 5

2. Ministry of National Languages and Social Integration 2.1 Introduction 6 2.2 Key Findings – Languages 6 2.3 Immediate Actions 8 2.4 Recommendations 11 2.5 Key Findings – Social Integration 12 2.6 Immediate Actions 13 2.7 Recommendations 14

3. Department of Official Languages 3.1 Introduction 15 3.2 Key Findings 16 3.3 Immediate Actions 19 3.4 Recommendations to MNLSI 20 3.5 Recommendations to NLP 21

4. Official Languages Commission 4.1 Introduction 22 4.2 Key Findings 22 4.3 Immediate Actions 26 4.4 Recommendations 27

Appendix Itinerary – Technical Exchange Mission



Acknowledgement

The Ministry of National Languages and Social Integration (MNLSI), Department of Offcial Languages

(DOL), and Official Languages Commission (OLC) on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka is pleased to

convey our sincere gratitute and appreciation for the support and assistance extended by the

Canadian Goverment and People of Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency

(CIDA), for making this Technical Exchange Mission possible.

The Delegates from the Technical Exchange Mission also extend our sincere appreciation for the time

provided, hospitality exhibited and technical exptertise shared with us from all our Federal, Provincial

and Municipal Partners in Canada who hosted us during the mission.

We also take this opprtunity to thank Agriteam Canada and Official Languages and Bilingualism

Institute of University of Ottawa for thier fullest support and valuable guidence in conducting this

Technical Exchange Mission, and in making the TEM to Canada a success.




May 28 - June 8, 2012

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction to the National Languages Project

The National Languages Project (NLP) is a joint initiative of the Government of Canada and the

Government of Sri Lanka. It is a four year project funded by the Canadian International Development

Agency (CIDA) and implemented by Agriteam Canada in association with the Official Languages and

Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) at the University of Ottawa and The Asia Foundation (TAF) Sri Lanka. The

Project is managed in partnership with the Sri Lankan Ministry of National Languages and Social

Integration (MNLSI).

The project began operation in Sri Lanka in July 2011 with the goal to support the Sri Lankan

government and civil society organizations to strengthen and implement policies and programs that

protect and promote language rights as a means to fostering social harmony and contributing to

sustainable peace in Sri Lanka. It is expected to contribute to greater public access to government

services in both official languages, Sinhala and Tamil, as well as in English.

The project has four main components: institutional strengthening of the Ministry of National

Languages and Social Integration (MNLSI) and its institutions namely Department of Official Languages

(DOL), National Institute for Language Education and Teaching (NILET) and also the Official Languages

Commission (OLC); enhancing public engagement in promoting language rights and bilingualism;

improving translation training and translation services; and developing models of effective

implementation of the official languages policy at community level.

In November 2011, project partners prepared an Annual Work Plan for 2012. The plan included a

technical exchange mission to Canada to provide an opportunity for key Sri Lankan officials to meet

and work with their counterparts in relevant Canadian institutions. Canadian institutions were selected

from federal, provincial and local government levels to provide Sri Lankans with a number of Canadian

models to consider and from which to select resources for adaption and use in Sri Lanka.

1.2 Purpose of the Technical Exchange Mission

This visit to Canada was designed as a Technical Exchange Mission (TEM) to provide an opportunity for

officials from the Ministry of National Languages and Social Integration (MNLSI), Languages Division

(LD), Social Integration Division (SID) and Minister’s Office, the Department of Official Languages (DOL)

and the Official Languages Commission (OLC) to meet and work with their counterparts in relevant

Canadian institutions. The exchange was intended to support the MNLSI, DOL and OLC to expand their

knowledge, develop their capacity and enhance specific strategies and priority action plans that they

are currently working on through the exchange of ideas and resources with Canadian officials and

experts.



The TEM provided opportunities for the delegates to:

Visit and study the policies and programs of Canadian agencies with mandates similar to their

own

Meet and exchange ideas with counterpart Canadian officials and technical experts

Discuss issues related to the Sri Lankan Official Languages Policy (OLP) and current challenges

to OLP implementation

Discuss Canadian structures, institutional frameworks and mechanisms that support official

languages promotion and policy implementation and assess how these could be applicable to

the Sri Lankan context

Solicit input and gather information and resources from Canadian counterparts related

specifically to their current priority programs and plans

The delegates visited federal institutions in the National Capital Region of Canada (Ottawa and

Gatineau), provincial institutons in New Brunswick (Fredericton) and Ontario (Toronto) and at the City

of Ottawa. A list of Canadian institutions and agencies that the delegates visited and the people with

whom they met is included in the Appendix to this report.

1.3 Delegates to the Technical Exchange Mission

Ministry of National Languages and Social Integration

Languages Division Mr. N. Nichalos Pillai, Senior Assistant Secretary Ms. Gnanie S. Wikramasinghe, Project Assistant

Social Integration Division Mr. S. L. M. Hazeem, Senior Assistant Secretary Hon. Minister’s Office Mr. Sarath Ranasinghe, Private Secretary to the Minister

Department of Official Languages Mr. J. C. Ranepura, Commissioner, Official Languages

Ms. Sanoji R. Perera, Assistant Commissioner Official Languages Commission Mr. N. R. Ranawaka, Chairman National Languages Project Mr. Marimuthu Thirunavukarasu, Program Manager

Mr. Mohamed Raskeen Mohamed Niyas, Program Manager

1.4 Coordination of the Exchange Program

The TEM program was coordinated by the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) at the

University of Ottawa under the guidance of the NLP Language Policy Advisor, Mr. Hilaire Lemoine and

in collaboration with the NLP Project Director from Agriteam Canada, Ms. Alix Yule. Administrative

support was provided in Canada by the NLP Administrative Officer, Ms. Vesna Duricic. The Logistics

support was provided to the delegates by the NLP office in Colombo prior to the Mission.



Meeting with Department of Canadian Heritage

2. MINISTRY OF NATIONAL LANGUAGES AND SOCIAL INTEGRATION (MNLSI)

2.1 Introdution

The Ministry of National Languages and Social Integration (MNLSI) was created in 2010, under the

Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 1651/20 dated 30-04-2010 with the primary mandate to

formulate policies, programmes and strategies in order to well implement the Official Languages Policy

(OLP), particularly the National Languages (NL) of the country. Though the MNLSI is mandated with

huge tasks and responsibilities in spearheading the implemention of the OLP the MNLSI faces

challenges with regard to technical, human and financial resources in adhering to such mandates. The

MNLSI has taken positive steps by establishing a Unit called “Languages Division” within the MNLSI in

2010, with the aim to take responsibility and lead the implementation of NLs.

2.2 Key Findings – Languages Division

a) Efforts to make all public servants bilingual may not be practical in the short-term

In Canada there are different models to provide services in both official languages without

expecting all public servants to be bilingual. Some positions are designated as “bilingual positions”

where the candidate must be bilingual in order

to hold the post. These positions are identified

based on a) the need to provide service to

citizens in both English and French, or b) the

need to supervise employees who use both

languages. Approximately 40% of the federal

public service positions are designated as

bilingual. It is noted that the Language Act

covers the Federal Institutions only and it does

not cover the Provincial Institutions.

In Sri Lanka, since 2007, all public officials are required to gain proficiency in the second language

within 5 years, which may not be much practical in a short period of time because of the

availability of resources.

b) Structures and mechanisms within institutions are important for effective policy

implementation

The Official Languages Act of 1969 of Canada covers only the Federal Institutions and the

Provinces have their own policy with regard to the implementation of the language policy. For this

purpose they have structures and mechanisms in place. Each institution has its own “unit” of office

responsible for developing and implementing a language plan and to promote and monitor the

implementation of the language policy (i.e. The Canadian Heritage and the Canadian Treasury

Board provide leadership and coordination to implement the Policy. They have special units to

coordinate to monitor the process).



In Sri Lanka the Constitutional provisions for the implementation of Official Languages Policy cover

the entire Island, but the structures and mechanisms are not adequately established for its

implementation. Most of the responsibility lies with the MNLSI, although the heads of ministries,

departments, and other public institutions are named as the Chief Implementation Officers of the

OLP, according to the Public Administration Circular No. 18/2009 dated 2009.11.25, and there

appears no specific unit or staff is trained to support this Officer for planning and taking action to

implement the OLP properly.

c) Proper planning structure at all levels supports policy implementation

In Canada there is a national “roadmap” to set out strategies and responsibilities for language

policy implementation. There are also plans within each institution for language policy

implementation at all levels of the system. For example, every ministry and department of the

federal government has this plan for delivering the services in both languages, for providing a

bilingual work place and for promoting both official languages.

In the City of Ottawa (Municipal Council), each

department has to have a plan for delivering

services in both languages as part of their

“service excellence” strategy. The “language

unit” is responsible for developing suitable plan

and monitoring the progress of implementation.

In Sri Lanka, the national Roadmap is being

developed by the Ministry. Although there is a

requirement by Circular instructions, that all

Official Languages Implementing Officers

develop a strategic plan for OLP implementation within their institution, most do not appear to

have done so. The Ministry is in the process of developing a guidebook or “how to manual” to help

institutions develop their own plan for themselves OLP implementation.

d) Language competency building, training and evaluation for Public Sector employees

In Canada, there are well established training programs designed for the purpose of competency

building for of the officers all the three levels (Federal, Provincial and Local Authority) in the

Government. Also their ability to work in two languages is assessed strictly for the positions

identified as bi lingual in a defined manner. Not only in the Public sector but also in the Private

sector (Banks, hospitals etc.) courses are designed according to their requirements for learning

two languages (French and English)

In Sri Lanka, even though the languages training and evaluation is clearly spelt out in the circular

03/2007, the mechanism has not properly functioned.

e) Education system for second language competency building

Canadian education system consists of three categories of schools as French Schools, English

School and French/English immersion schools. Within the French schools, programs for English and

Meeting at the City of Ottawa



French as a second language are provided. After the school education, students continue their

higher education either French or English or both. Then he/she join the workforce with a good

knowledge of English/French.

In Sri Lanka, Tamil or Sinhala as a second language is taught in grade 6-10 as per the school

curriculum. Students are enrolled in the higher education either in Sinhala/Tamil or in English.

f) Involvement of the Private Sector institutions in order to deliver the services in both official

languages

Private sector in Canada has the good commitment to deliver the services in both official

languages. In Sri Lanka, there is no such situation, even though it is enshrined in the constitution

which is referred to as supreme law of Sri Lanka.

g) Concept of ‘Active Offer’

Another significant discipline that prevails in the public instituions in Canada is the «Active Offer»

by which a public who comes to a public insitution to obtain serveces is greeted in his/her own

language and asked at the very first instance by the Officer of the reception counter on their

requirement of language medium. It provides the positive relationship and confidence among the

public towards the institution from where they expect the services.

2.3 Immediate Actions

1. Develop the capacity of every government institution with designated positions in the Bilingual

Divisional Secretariat Divisions and the ministries and institutions which directly deal with the

general public to deliver services in both official languages

2. Require and support every public institution (ministries and institutions under their purview to

establish a language unit to coordinate bilingual services and ensure organizational commitment

to implement Official Languages Policy. The unit should be headed by a senior officer and report to

the Chief Official Languages Implementation Officer.

3. Require each Ministry and Department to be accountable for proper plan and implementation of

OLP, and setup a special unit for the implementation of the institutions within its purview. District

Secretary (Government Agent) can be assigned with the monitoring of OLP in their respective

districts.

4. When public institutions contract out a private firm for the delivery of services to the public, the

contract should include a condition that the services be provided in both official languages.

5. When the government licenses private companies to offer essential services to the public (e.g.

hospitals, electricity) there must be clause in the agreement the service provider has the ability

and obligation to provide the service in both official languages and English.

6. The criteria for national awards, such as the Productivity Award, should include that services are

provided in a bilingual manner as one of the major requirement.



Action Plan

No. Activity Responsible Officer Timeline Support required from

NLP

01 When appointing 195 new National Integration Promotion

Sahayakas to the Ministry cadre give priority to bilingual

competency officers and attached them to bilingual divisional

secretariat divisions.

Secretary (MNLSI)

June –December

2012

Capacity building of new

appointees

02 When appointing 195 new National Integration Promotion

Sahayakas to the Ministry cadre give priority marks to bilingual

competency and attached them in the other divisional

secretariats divisions as well.

Secretary (MNLSI) June –December

2012

Capacity building of new

appointees

03 Preparation of an outline and concept paper for the

development of the Roadmap as a comprehensive strategic plan

for the linguistic duality (Sinhala and Tamil) in Sri Lanka

Additional Secretary

(National Languages)

June –December

2012

Technical assistance from

experts and relevant

funds in Canada

04 There is a need for a language plan for OLP implementation

within all government institutions in the country. Giving priority

to support those in bilingual divisions and in key institutions. Use

the guidebook/how to manual now being prepared.

The plans should include designation of bilingual positions

The plans should include establishment of a language “unit”

within the institution to look into language issues and

coordinate and monitor language plans and programs



June –December

2012



funds in Canada



05 Strengthening the MNLSI to be a “model bilingual institution”

and demonstrate OLP implementation for other ministries

Secretary-MNLSI June –December

2012



funds in Canada

06 Establishing a databank of bilingual language skills of public

officers and number of bilingual positions

Additional Secretary -

National Languages

August –

December 2012



funds in Canada

07 Giving priority to Bilingual Divisions (Gazetted and

recommended) and key institutions (ministries, departments and

statutory bodies) that are dealing directly with the public.

Within these bilingual divisions and key institutions, helping the

institutions to identify positions that should be designated as

bilingual as they interact directly with the public. These positions

should be given priority when assigning bilingual officers.



June –December

2012



funds in Canada

08 Liaison with the relevant key ministries and organizations to

IOLP.

Senior

Assistant Secretary


June –December

2012



2.4 Recommendations for National Languages Project activities for 2013 Annual Work Plan

1. The MNLSI will have to initiate a dialog with the Ministry of Public Administration and Home

Affairs to identify a formula to create cadres for bilingual positions in the Public institutions.

2. MNLSI should develop guidelines and coordinated all the institutions to enable them to IOLP.

3. MNLSI should be the main monitoring organization supported by a special unit established within

the Ministry of Public Administration and Ministry of Finance and Planning to IOLP.

4. Experts assistance need to be provided for the identified institutions for maintaining

sustainability of the horizontal results based Management and accountability mechanism for the

Road Map

5. The MNLSI with relevant key ministries and institutions will have to form a committee and do

fields visits to local and international institutions in order to see the ground reality in processing

of linguistic duality.

6. Further support should be extended by relevant ministries (Ministry of Education, Ministry of

Higher Education and University Grant Commission) to develop curriculums and higher education

programmes in the Universities in order to produce competent professionals in both national

languages.



2.5 Key Findings - Social Integration

a) Partnering with civil society organizations: Community based organizations can play an

effective role in implementing language and social integration programs. This may be

through contracts for the delivery of services or through grants to implement social

integration activities and special

events. The Citizen Participation

Unit of the Canadian Heritage is

having the contracts with the

delivery organizations such as

Dialogue, New Brunswick. These

delivery organizations are assisting

the government by implementing

the language & social integration

programs at the periphery to

ensure the effectiveness of the

policy implementation. Immediate

partners in Sri Lanka can be the Language Societies as well as other community based

organizations at the grass root level. This may help the ministry to save the time of the

officials and the money for their travelling, etc. The senior officials of the ministry can spend

more time in planning and monitoring activities.

b. Expert panels and similar mechanisms can be established and can be very useful at all levels

of government institutions to get citizen participation. This helps the peoples’ participation

and ensures the effective implementation of the policy as the people feel the ownership of

the programs.

c. Inter-ministerial coordination mechanism and structures are important for effective and

efficient policy implementation. The Canadian Heritage has this Committee to coordinate

their activities and a proper coordination and follow up is maintained between the

Departments. Though our ministry has the Inter ministerial coordinating committee, the

coordination mechanism and the follow up of this committee is ineffective. Implementation

of the language policy or ensuring social cohesion cannot be the sole responsibility of this

ministry only. It should be a collective responsibility of all the relevant institutions.

Therefore, an effective coordination mechanism between these ministries and institutions

will enable the ministry to address the related issues.

Meeting with Dialogue New Brunswick, Fredericton




Action Plan:

No. Activity Responsible Officer Timeline Support required from NLP

1 Selecting the community based organizations / language societies Asst. Secretary September to

November, 2012

2 Proposals are obtained from the CBOs to consider the financial

support through the DSs

Senior Asst. Secretary December to

January, 2012/2013

NLP can provide financial

support to implement

programs

3 An executive level officer is nominated to coordinate the IMC Secretary July - August, 2012

4 A monitoring mechanism is established to monitor the activities Addl. Secretary September to

November, 2012

NLP can give technical support



2.7 Recommendations

1. Language Societies registered under the MNLSI can be strengthened to enable them to

partnership with the ministry in implementing the language and social integration programs.

2. The ministry can have partnership with these organizations or other community based

organizations which have influence in the society to take the message to the public and to

implement the programs.

3. Strengthen the coordination of the Inter Ministerial Committee by entrusting the task to an

executive level officer to enable him/her to follow up the decisions arrived at the meetings.

Also, action is to be taken to empower this committee through the Social Integration Policy

Framework so that the obligation of the ministries or institutions towards this committee will

be ensured



3 DEPARTMENT OF OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (DOL)

3.1 Introduction

The Department of Official Languages (DOL) was established in 1956 in order to implement the

Provisions of the Official Languages Act of 1956 and the major functions assigned to the DOL are

provisions of official translations to the government in all three languages namely Sinhala, Tamil and

English; compilation of glossaries; translation of books to facilitate education in Sinhala and Tamil;

and teaching Sinhala, Tamil and English to Public Officials. The sole responsibility in ensuring the

proper implementation of the Official Languages Policy of Sri Lanka, provides necessary guidance in

adhering the same and manage the overall administration of languages in Sri Lanka.

Of the Federal, Provincial and Municipal government institutions the delegation visited, we focused

our attention on translation, interpretation and terminology standardization in Canada. Being the

Official Translator for the government of Sri Lanka, it was so important to us to gain as much as

exposure on these specialized fields. This report includes key findings of the TEM, our action plan for

2012 and the recommendations to MNLSI and NLP.

Translation Bureau of Federal Government

The Translation Bureau (BTB) is the

federal government's center of expertise

in translation, revision and

interpretation. It provides translations

and interpretations for English and

French, the two official languages and

other languages for the government

institutes.

It is the authority on language and

terminology standardization in the

public service.

The TB manages TERMIUM Plus®, the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic

database.

It provides translation services 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

We found that well developed systems are available regarding followings and those are extremely

useful in improving the translation field in Sri Lanka as well as developing the translation unit in the

department.

Meeting with Translation Bureau of Canada



3.2 Key Findings

a) Technology

BTB uses two major on-line systems in

handling translations

i) On-line ordering system (OOS)

This system allows storing client

information and it has a tracking

mechanism that clients can use to

monitor the status of their request. A

sample of the format is attached.

ii) Integrated Information Systems (IIS)

This system is used to receive and

process request, record billable and

non-billable activities, validate the data used to calculate financial and evaluate translator

performance.

From receiving a document for translation to delivering the translation to the client is

completely done on-line and no paper work at all.

b) IT knowledge

IT know-how of the each employee, including translators is extremely high compared to those in

the Department of the Official Languages of Sri Lanka.

c) Recruitment Procedure

Recruitment procedure is completely different from ours. Age limit is not considered and there

are 05 classification levels.

TR* 1 - Junior Translators (02-year Learning period)

TR 2 - Autonomist Translator

TR 3 - Senior Translator: Revision, quality control, coaching are done.

TR 4 - Unit Head (15 to 35 employees): contracts, service managing are done

TE 5 - Division Manager: Supervises 4-5 unit heads

* All translators, interpreters and terminologists belong to the TR (for Translation)

classification group.

We were informed that one who joins as a junior translator has the opportunity to be promoted.

As well one can be appointed to any level through a competitive examination according to the

requirement.

Working Session Meeting with Translation Bureau



d) Availability of Degree courses

In order to be a translator or an interpreter of the BTB one has to hold a degree in translation.

Some of the BTB translators are then trained as interpreters. Some 11 universities of Canada

provide degree courses for translations and 02 for conference interpretations.

e) Terminology

Terminology Standardization Directorate (TSD) which is under the BTB deals with terminology

and it examines and standardizes terminology used in the Federal Public Service. And also it

disseminates terminology through the Government of Canada’s terminology and linguistic data

bank (TERMIUM). Of 100 employees of this directorate, 70 have been categorized as follows:

Terminologists

Team leaders

Language advisors

Techno linguistic specialists

Project Managers

Others also work in:

Electronic publishing

Database Management

Strategic analysis of the language sector

Proofreading

(Please note: the Terminology Directorate has only 01 proofreader and its data entry

positions were abolished two years ago when the latest version of TERMIUM allowed the

terminologists to work directly in TERMIUM, eliminating the need for data entry.)

The most important feature we observed is the Terminology Data Bank which is called

TERMIUM. It is the largest terminology and linguistic data bank in Canada. It holds over 4 million

terms

f) Library

The library has over 48,000 texts, can count on specialized support staff for its smooth operation

and offers resource services (searches for titles, quotes and information of all kinds) to

translators and terminologists. The library is now being used to its full extent and has become a

one-stop shop for resource service requests from the entire translator community.

g) Freelance Translators

Although BTB is the largest employer of translators, interpreters and terminologists in Canada,

the Translation Bureau do require the services of linguistic services suppliers (firms, freelancers

or self -employed individuals) in official, aboriginal, foreign and visual languages for 40% of its

total output. The bureau obtains the service of freelancers by calling tenders.

Working Group Meeting with Translation Bureau



h) Specific Training Programs

Specific training programs are conducted by BTB for translators, interpreters and terminologists.

i) Quality Assurance

BTB provides quality control and assigns the work to a skilled professional. The BTB works using

the latest electronic tools on the market, even during the revision process.

j) Improved office environment

Better working environment makes the employees happy in their day to day work and we felt

that such an environment could also help improve the quality of work indirectly.



3.3 Immediate Actions to be implemented

Department of Official Languages intends to implement following actions in 2012 with existing resources based on the findings of this Technical Exchange

Mission.

No Activity Responsible Officer Timeline Support Required from NLP

01 Identify suitable human resources and start a 15 translator team

Commissioner of Official Languages

July - December 2012

02 Provide ICT training for translators (identified institutions are SLIDA, PSTI, and University of Colombo.


July – December 2012

03 Start discussions with MNLSI, MPAHA, Salary and Cadre Commission on findings of the NLP recommendations.



04 Conduct Survey on translators and translation service Commissioner of Official Languages


Financial and Technical Assistance

05 Establish the Translation Centre in the DOL Commissioner of Official Languages


Financial and Technical Assistance, Consultancy of Canadian experts

06 Start discussion to develop a terminology databank Commissioner of Official Languages

July - August 2012

Financial and Technical Assistance,

07 7. Establish a Call Centre at the Department. Commissioner of Official Languages

July -December 2012

Financial and Technical Assistance, Consultancy of Canadian experts

08 Technical Exchange Mission to India regarding Terminology


July-Dec 2012 As per the NLP Annual Work Plan



3.4 Recommendations to the Ministry of National Languages and Social Integration

Based on the observations and knowledge gained during the mission, following recommendations

are submitted to the MNLSI

1. As translation is a skilled profession the professional recognition is very important. In Sri

Lanka either the field of translation or translators have not been given due recognition so

that the job satisfaction of the translators is considerably less. If it is to upgrade the quality of

work, efficiency and effectiveness due recognition is essential.

It is therefore recommended that discussions be started with relevant stakeholders (Salary

and Cadre Commission, Department of Management and Ministry of Public Administration

and Home Affairs.) to revise the recruitment procedure, promotion path, salary increase and

other relevant areas.

2. As recommended by the report of Mr. Gabriel Huard, it is emphasized the importance of

grouping all translators under one umbrella.(DOL)

3. If the recommendation No 2 is to be implemented, it is compulsory to expand the cadre for

Management Assistant and Technical Assistants and KKS

4. It is recommended that the Translation Center be established in the DOL as per the report of

Mr. Gabriel Huard. In the first stage, the Center would consist of 15 translators who can do

translations using computers. It is expected to expand this Center in future.

5. As there is no sufficient data either on translation field or translators, it was suggested to

conduct a needs assessment survey. The questionnaires are being prepared and the

assistance of Ministry is required.

6. It was observed that universities in Canada conduct degree courses and master courses for

translations and interpretation. (11 universities conduct degree courses on translation and

among 02 conduct master courses on translation while 02 conduct degree course on

Conference Interpretation)

So it is strongly emphasized that discussions be started with relevant stakeholders (MoHE,

UGC) to commence such courses in the universities.

7. It is recommended that the DOL cadre should include interpreters too., as requests for

interpretations made to the department are increasing.( At present, DOL has created a Pool

of Interpreters which has not yet been uploaded on the web)

8. If cadre positions could be created, it will lead to an improvement of the field of

interpretation.



9. As a mean of capacity building of the translators it is suitable to conduct training programs

for translators. The major problem here is non-availability of funds. So it is recommended

that funds for HR development would be increased considerably.

10. Translators should also be exposed to experiences of foreign countries. So it is recommended

that they should be provided with foreign trainings.

3.5 Recommendation to NLP

NLP assistance is required to implement our immediate actions indicated in the Action Plan for 2012.



The Chairman of the OLC of Sri Lanka Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada

4 OFFICIAL LANGUAGES COMMISSION (OLC)

4.1 Introduction

Official Languages Commission of Sri Lanka (OLC) is an Independent Commission established under

the Official Languages Commissions Act, No. 18 of 1991. There shall be six members appointed by

the President of Sri Lanka, and one of them shall be nominated by the President to be the

Chairperson. The Commission is established for three years. The Commissioner of Official Languages

shall be the Ex – Officio Secretary to the Commission.

The objectives of the OLC are to recommend principles of policy, relating to the use of the Official

Languages, and to monitor and supervise compliance with the provisions contained in Chapter IV of

the Constitution, promote the appreciation of the Official Languages and the acceptance,

maintenance, and continuance of their status, equality and right of use and conduct investigations,

both on its own initiative, and in response to any complaints received, and to take remedial action as

provided for, by the provisions of this Act. The powers of the OLC are to initiate reviews of any

regulations, directives, or administrative practices, which affect, or may affect, the status or use of

any of the relevant languages, issue or commission such studies or policy papers on the status or use

of the relevant languages as it may deem necessary or desirable and undertake such public

educational activities, including, sponsoring or initiating publications or other media presentations,

on the status or use of the relevant language as it may consider desirable.

4.2 Key Findings

The key findings are specially focused on the role of the

Official Languages Commissioner and Office of the

Official Languages Commissioner of Canada, as other

parts deals with others aspects of the OLP in Canada.

a. The Official Language Policy and Practice in

Canada

The Official Languages of Canada are French and

English. The Bilingual Policy of Canada is very strong

and implemented throughout Canada in its federal

government institutions and the Province of New

Brunswick, which is the only Bilingual Province in Canada. The governance structure of Canada

operating in three levels namely Federal, Provincial and Municipal. Though the Province and

Municipal level institutions are not mandated to deliver services in both English and French

languages, these institutions have their own commitment in respecting the state policy and

deliver services in both languages where appropriate. The Federal Institutions always encourages

Provincial or Municipal level insitutions to implenment the OLP by providing necessary guidence

and resources and technical assistance etc. Even the Private Sector also willingly provide services

in both languages, where deemed necessary.



Working Group Meeting with the Staff of the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages

b. The Commissioner of Official Languages (COL) and the Office of the Commissioner of Official

Languages (OCOL)

The Commissioner of Official Languages (Commissioner) in Canada is appointed by the Governor

in Council after having been consulted with the Leader of every recognized party in Senate and

House of Commons and the approval of the appointment by resolution of the Senate and House

of Commons. The Commissioner is entitled to hold office during good behaviour for a term of

seven years and could be re-appointed for a further term not exceeding of seven years. The

Commissioner is appointed as full time and could not hold any office under Her Majesty or

engage in any other employment. The procedures followed to appoint the Commissioner

completely independent and transparent. It creates a due recognition of such position.

The Office of the Commissioner of Official

Languages (OCOL) is well equipped with

the human and other resources compare

to Sri Lanka in order to carry out its

mandates effectively and efficiently to

protect and promote the Official Languages

English and French. It was found useful

about the Performance Measurement

Tools. The OCOL uses Report Cards and

Audits to measure the performance of the

federal government institutions are

concerned. It is interesting to see the

similarity our OLC does namely language audits in Sri Lanka.

The Commissioner reports to Parliament annualy by the way of an Annual Report about the

status of the OLP implementation in the Public Service in Canada, which is a statutory obligation

vested upon the Commissioner, which is very much similar to Sri Lanka senario. The Annual

Report importantly include complaints received, investigation made and how the Federal

Instittuions conform with the Official Languges Act.

c. Powers and Functions of COL

Though the powers of the Commissioner is similar to OLC in Sri Lanka in order to receive and

investigate Complaints and make recommendations pertaining to violations of language rights

guaranteed under the Constitution Act of 1867, Official Languages Act of 1969 (as amended in

1988 and 2005) and the Charter of Rights and Freedom 1982, the Position of the Commissioner is

duly recognized by authorities concerned. The recommendations which are made by the

Commissioner against the breach or violation of language rights are duly adhered and respected

by the authorities almost all the times. Accordingly the compliance rate in terms of

recommendations made by the Commissioner is very high compared to Sri Lanka. The special

reasons for this high compliance rate in Canada as because of the well structrered systems and

tools, particularly the good governance.



Meeting with Office of the Francophone Affairs, Ontario, Toronto

d. The Compliance Process

The complaints are received and the preliminary assessments are made by the Complaints

Reception Center (CRC) and the CRC also prepare some complaint related reports for further

processing of the complaints. Once the complaints are received and assessed preliminarily, the

investigations will be processed. The investigations are processed in two ways; Facilitated

Resolution Process and Formal Investigation Process.

e. The regional level representation and institutional arrangements of OCOL

The regional level representation and institutional arrangements of OCOL is commendable in

order to ensure effective implementation of OLP of Canada. The Regional Offices were created

by the Second Commissioner of Official Languages. Due to the vastness of Canada, the Regional

Centers helps to reach the Minority Communities. The Regional Centers also receive and

investigate complaints. The strengthened institutional capacity, human and other resources in

the regional locations, pave the ways to coordinate and assist regionally located federal

institutions and encourage provincial and municipal government institutions to respect and

provide services in both French and English.

f. The Office of the Official Languages Commissioner for New Brunswick

The Office of the Official Languages Commisioner for New Brunswick is established under the

Official Languages Act of New Brunswick, it is also provide for the appointment of a

Commissioner and the provicial level institutional arrangement for the proper implementation of

OLP in New Brunwick. It also receives complaints and investigate into the complaints from

general public. One of the mandates of the Commissioner is to promote and uplift the both

langugages.

g. Office of the Francophone Affairs for Ontario and the Commissioner for French Language

Services

The Office of the Francophone Affairs for

Ontario and the Commissioner for French

Languages Service was established under the

French Language Services Act, where he/she

is responsible for the upliftment and the

improvement of French Languages Services in

all levels.



Meeting with the Commissioner for French Language Services for Ontario, Toronto

h. The Knowledge and Awareness about the OLP

The awareness about the language rights among the officials and general public is very high

compare to Sri Lanka. It creates momentum and opportunity for the citizens to exercise these

rights and provide opportunities to act against the violations of the languages rights. It also

created a need among citizens for them to educate their children in both languages to ensure

their children get employment opportunities in government sector. The policy on bilingual

positions in the government sector attracts and encourgages the young people to study both

languages.

i. The People Participation and Actions

The continuous discourse in society about French language rights and peaceful opportunity to

ascertain their rights of bilingual nature and possibility to campaign for these rights among

people in the institutions with minimum frictions.

j. The Translation and Interpretation Services

The powerful translation and interpretation network and the services provided by the

Translation Bureau of Canada immensely contribute to the effective implementation of OLP with

its strong network, structures and tools. The capacity and capabilities of the Translation Bureau is

exemplary compare to even the developed countries in the world.




Official Languages Commission intends to implement following actions in 2012 with existing resources based on the findings of this Technical Exchange

Mission and from the support of the NLP.

No Activity Responsible Officer Timeline Support Required from NLP

01 Strentheing the existing pool of “naturally” bilingual translators attached to DOL by assigning them to public institutions

Chairperson and Secretary - OLC

July - December 2012

N/A

02 Awareness programme to educate the public and public officers about the language policy and its importance TV and Radio Spots Docudrama Paper Advertisements Discussions and Dialogue at Radio and TV

Chairperson and the Members of the

Commission


Financial and Technical Support

03 Designation of bilingual posts at least in gazetted bilingual DS Divisions, provincial secretariats and other government institutions

Commission July – December 2012

Technical Support

04 Start discussions with MNLSI for the De Facto decentralization of OLC activities through the available human resources. (e.g. Provisioning the NIPAs and NIPCs to Commission works)



05 Establish direct contacts with language societies who observe language usage within the public institutes where these societies are located





4.5 Recommendations

1. Expand the Cadre positions of the OLC in order to improve the implementation process adequately. It is very pertinent for the government to increase the cadre positions in the OLC, if the government is determine to receive complaints in relation to language rights violation. At the time the OLC is handicapped due to lack of human resource to engage in day to day activities of OLC and dealing with the complaints receive daily.

2. The OLC to make recommendations and have discussions with the Financical Authorities to

increase allocation of funds to OLC through annual budget.

3. The Commission to take immediate steps and start discussions to de-facto and de-jure decentralization and activities of OLC islandwide to have the rural people to access for the OLC as recommended by LLRC Report.

4. The OCL to make recommendation for the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher

Education to improve “natural” bilingualism by teaching the second language to students at school level and university level as compulsory subject. This will be able to produce citizens who will be able to converse in both national languages to serve in any part of the island and deliver services to citizens in their language of choice. This will also ease the difficulty in producing translators with much more competent in both national languages. Time is opportune for the Ministry of Education and Higher Education initiate to formulate syllabuses towards achieving this goals through school system and university system.

5. Make recommendations and have discussion with respective Government Institutions to

designate bilingual posts in central and provincial level administration.

6. Make recommedations to the Parliament to amend the Act to give effects to regional level reprsetation (Provincial and Local Authority) and compliance process.

7. Make recommendations and have discussions with the Ministry of Provincial Councils and

Local Government for their initiatives in relation to bilingual designated positions in the Provincial Cadre.

8. The Government should direct the policy makers and decision making authorities to uphled

the constituional provisions relating to lanuguage rights. The heads of institutions should commit themselves to implement OLP as they give priority in implementing other policy directions.

A Report by: Members of the TEM Delegattion to Canada Supported by: National Languages Project, Sri Lanka Agriteam Canada Appendix:

Itinerary – Technical Exchange Mission



Technical Exchange Mission May 27 – June 8, 2012

ITINERARY

NOTE: MANY GOVERNMENT OFFICES THAT WE WILL VISIT REQUIRE IDENTIFICATION PLEASE BRING YOUR PASSPORT WITH YOU EVERY DAY

ALIX CELL PHONE: 613-850-8954 VESNA CELL PHONE: 613-863-1263

HILAIRE CELL PHONE: 613 986-5522 THIRU CELL PHONE: 613-617-5937 NIYAS CELL PHONE: 613-220-1899

AGRITEAM OFFICE PHONE: 819 777-2494

DATE &

TRANSPORT TIME ITINERARY OBJECTIVE OF MEETING

Sunday, May 27 4:25 Depart Colombo on Qatar Airways flight number QR305 and arrive Doha at 6:45; Depart Doha on flight number 927 at 8:40

19:50-20:30 Arrive in Montreal at 15:00, clear Canadian customs; Depart Montreal at 19:50 on Air Canada flight number AC8985 and arrive in Ottawa at 20:30

Monday, May 28

11:00-12:45 Briefing at Agriteam Office 107 Promenade du Portage, Quebec

Review of Itinerary. Powerpoint presentation on Official Languages in Canada.



DATE &


Hotel pick up at 10:40 Walk to CIDA Pick up at 15:30 and return to hotel

12:45-1:45 Lunch – Agriteam Office

14:00-14:30 Informal meeting with CIDA officials at Agriteam Office 107 Promenade du Portage, Quebec Cheryl Urban, Executive Director, Sri Lanka, China and Nepal Program Nicole Robillard, Senior Project Officer

Opportunity for CIDA officials to meet members of the delegation. Introduction to roles and responsibilities of delegate members within the MNLSI.

15:00-18:00 Guided walk to shopping, restaurants and sites near hotel (Optional)

Tuesday, May 29 Hotel Pick-up at 9:00

09:30-11:30 General meeting with Translation Bureau of Canada Edifice Richelieu, 975, boulevard Saint-Joseph, Gatineau 5th floor room 508 Donald Barabé, Vice-President, Professional Services Directorate Gilles Roussel, Director, Interpretation and Parliamentary Translation Denise Langlois, Director, Terminology Standardization Directorate

The Translation Bureau (TB) is the federal government centre of expertise in translation and linguistic services, taking a lead role in terminology standardization. TB is the exclusive supplier of translation, revision and interpretation services for the national Parliament. The meeting will explore how, since its founding in 1934, the TB has become one of the leading translation organizations in the world, including the TB’s role in terminology standardization within the Government of Canada, standardizing the vocabulary used in various areas of government activity, in provision of translation and interpretation service and in translator and interpreter training, as well as the tools and technologies that support these services.

12:00-14:00 Working luncheon at the Sri Lanka High Commissioner Residence at 28 Range Road, Ottawa, K1N 8J4 Mrs.Chitranganee Wagiswara, High Commissioner Mr. Sumith Dassanayake, Minister Counsellor

Opportunity for the High Commissioner to be briefed on the National Languages Project, meet the delegates and be informed of the program of the TEM.

14:30-16:30 General meeting with Canadian Heritage Department of Canadian Heritage 25 Eddy Street, Gatineau, Quebec

Ministry responsible for Culture, Official Languages, Youth Exchanges, Citizenship Engagement, Aboriginal Affairs, Sports, Broadcasting Policy, Heritage Policy.



DATE &


Hubert Lussier, Assistant Deputy Minister, Citizenship and Heritage Jean-Pierre Gauthier, Director General, Official Languages Secretariat Yvan Déry, A/Director General, Official Languages Support Programs Michel Lemay, Director General, Citizenship Participation

The meeting will focus mainly on Official Languages and Citizenship Engagement programs of the Ministry, ie: the responsibility for Official Languages and Citizenship Engagement as it pertains to Canadian society, as opposed to federal departments and institutions.

Wednesday, May 30 Hotel pick-up at 9:10 Walk to Treasury Board

09:30-10:30 General meeting with Office of the Official Language Commissioner 344 Slater Street, 3rd Floor, Ottawa Graham Fraser, Commissioner Of Official Languages Ghislaine Charlebois, Assistant Commissioner, Compliance and Assurance Pierre Coulombe, Director, Investigations Nelsar Kabil, A/Director, Strategic Communications and Production Johanne Lapointe, Director, Policy and Research Corita Harty, Director, Operational Integration Initiative and International Relations

As an Officer of Parliament and agent of change, the Commissioner has a mandate to promote the Official Languages Act and oversee its full implementation, protect the language rights of Canadians and promote linguistic duality and bilingualism in Canada. The meeting will explore how the Commissioner ensures that the three key objectives of the Act are achieved and how his office takes all necessary measures in this respect. These objectives are: 1) the equality of English and French in Parliament, the Government of Canada, the federal administration and the institutions subject to the Act; 2) the development and vitality of official language minority communities in Canada; 3) the equal status of English and French in Canadian society.

11:00-12:00 Preparation for Working groups Agriteam Office 107 Promenade du Portage, Quebec

Review the objectives and expected outcomes of the Working groups sessions

13:00-16:30 Working groups with Canadian Heritage staff 13:00-14:30 Citizens Participation 15 Eddy Street, 8th Floor Rm 25,Gatineau, Quebec Guylaine Normandin, Manager, Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage; Fanny Gouault, Project Leader, Programs and Policies

Presentation on the Citizenship Participation Branch. Mission: to help Canadians better understand the shared aspects of the Canadian experience and better connect with one another and their communities. Discussion on following programmes: Exchanges Canada; Youth Take Charge; Building Communities through Arts and Heritage; Canadian Studies.



DATE &


Bonnie Lee Lacey, Manager, Strategic Policy and Research. 14:30-16:30 OL Secretariat 15 Eddy Street, 7th Floor Rm 40, Gatineau, Quebec Jean-Pierre Gauthier, Director General Geneviève Postolec, Senior Policy Analyst Christine Kingsbury, Policy Analyst and Research

Discussion on delivery mechanisms. Presentation and discussion on Canada’s Roadmap for Linguistic Duality (2008-2013): the development of the Roadmap at government level, the interministerial coordination and the reporting and accountability mechanism.

13:30-16:30 Working groups with Translation Bureau staff Parliament Translation and Interpretation 171 Slater Street, 3rd Floor Gilles Roussel, Director, Parliamentary Translation and Interpretation Louise Lafontaine, Manager, Parliamentary Documents Gila Sperer, Manager, Conference Interpretation Suzanne Gasseau, Manager, Parliamentary Debates Michel Boissoneault, Manager, Sign Language Translation Teresa Beauregard, Manager, Parliamentary Interpretation

Presentation and discussion on the translation of debates in Parliament, on Parliamentary interpretation, and on Conference interpretation. Visit of training laboratory for interpreters. Discussion on recrutement strategy and training. Discussion on outsourcing and quality control. Monitor the flow of a request for Parliamentary translation.



DATE TIME ITINERARY OBJECTIVE OF MEETING

Thursday, May 31 Hotel pick-up at 8:40

09:00-12:00 Working groups with Canadian Heritage staff Official Languages Support Programmes 15 Eddy Street, 7th Floor, Rm 182, Gatineau, Quebec France Caissy, Director, Interdepartmental Sylvie Rochette, I/Director, Policy and Research Josée Martel, Senior Programme Officer Vivian Knapp, Manager, Volontary and Community Sector

The development of the Roadmap at the Ministerial level. Presentation of the interministerial coordination mechanism for support to minotity communities. Presentation of activities and strategies to implement Official Languages policy within civil society: volontary sector and private sector.

09:30-16:30 Working groups with Translation Bureau staff 09:30-12:00 Terminology Services 70, rue Crémazie, 9th Floor, Gatineau, Quebec Denise Langlois, Director, Terminology Services Nicole Ouimet, Division Chief, Human Sciences Division Eliana Auverau, Division Chief, Legal Division Christine Hug, Chief, Terminotics Systems Michel Cayouette, terminotics Specialist 13:30-16:30 Translation Services 70, rue Crémazie, 10th Floor, Gatineau, Quebec Hélène Paquin, Director, Scientific and Technical Branch Julie Poirier, Manager, Science and Life Division Nicole Sigouin, Sector Head, Agriculture Unit

Presentation on terminology services. Presentation on Termium. Discussion on competency criteria for terminologists. Discussion on recrutement strategy. Presentation on the operations of the branch. Presentation on use of technology for translation. Discussion on outsourcing : criteria and quality control. Presentation on multilingual translation services.




Friday, June 1 Hotel pick-up at 8:40

09:00-10:00

General meeting with Treasury Board of Canada – Official Languages Centre of Excellence 269 Laurier West Tower, 10th Floor, Ottawa Marc Tremblay, Executive Director, Official Languages Centre of Excellence Carsten Quell, Director, Policy Review Chantal Therrien, Senior Analyst, Sharon Ginsberg, Senior Analyst

Treasury Board of Canada, through the Governance, Planning and Policy Sector – Official Languages, ensures that public servants in all federal institutions communicate with and serve Canadians in the official language of their choice. The meeting will focus on how to communicate and ensure services in language of choice, create and maintain a work environment conducive to the effective use of both official languages and provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to English- and French-speaking Canadians. The sector is responsible for the coordination and monitoring of official languages services, as well as the development of policies and guidelines. General presentation on the coordination and monitoring responsibilities within federal institutions of the Official Languages Centre of Excellence.

10:00-15:00 13:00-14:00

Working groups with Treasury Board-OLCE staff 269 Laurier West Tower, 10th Floor, Ottawa Carsten Quell, Director, Policy Review Chantal Therrien, Senior Analyst, Sharon Ginsberg, Senior Analyst Manon Tassé, Analyst Hocine Toulait, Analyst Ariel Hartman, Coop Student Russ MacLoed, Assistant Deputy Minister, Governance, Policy and Planning Marc Tremblay, Executive Director, Official Languages Centre of Excellence

Presentation on Policy making – how to write a policy, and monitoring mechanisms in use in Canada. Presentation on reporting systems and annual reporting to Parliament. Discussion on active offer principle and examples of active offer activities. Public Service Employee Survey and Annual review. Inclusion of language services and communication with the public in Management Accountability Framework Role and responsibility of Committee of Assistant Deputy Ministers (Additional Secretaries) on Official Languages. Strategies to set accountability on Official Languages with each individual Deputy Minister (Secretary).




10:30-15:30

Working groups with Official Languages Commissioner staff 344 Slater Street, 3rd Floor, Ottawa Sylvain Giguère, Assistant Commissioner, Policy and Communications Véronique Boudreau, Analyst, Policy and research Diane Allard, Policy Analyst Ricky Richard, Policy Analyst Ghislaine Charlebois, Assistant Commissioner, Compliance Assurance Carole Beauvais, Director, Investigations, Compliance Assurance Pierre Coulombe, Director, Performance Measurement Johanne Morin, Assistant Director, Performance Management Lise Cloutier, Assistant Commissioner, Corporate Services Pascale Giguère, Deputy Director and Senior Counsel, Legal Affairs Corita Harty, Director, Operational Integration Initiatives and International Relations

Presentation on Official Language in Sri Lanka. Roundtable presentation and discussion on structure and role of the divisions: Policy and Communications, Compliance Assurance, Corporate Services, Legal Affairs. Presentation and discussion on Policy, Research and Annual Report. Presentation and discussion on process for complaints, investigations and audits. Presentation on role and structure of Regional Offices.

15:30-16:30 Debriefing on Week 1 and briefing on Week 2 Review of Working groups activities. Presentation of TEM Program for Week 2.

Saturday, June 2

FREE DAY IN OTTAWA

Sunday, June 3

12:10-16:29 Flight – Ottawa-Fredericton via Toronto (AC 451 - AC 8956)




Monday, June 4

09:00-11:00 Meeting with the Office of the Official Languages Commissioner for New Brunswick 440 King Street King Tower, Suite 646, Fredericton Hughes Beaulieu, Assistant Commissioner Patricia Gaudet, Executive Assistant

The Official Languages Act of New Brunswick establishes an Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages and provides for the appointment of a Commissioner. The Act gives the Commissioner the mandate to investigate complaints from members of the public with respect to official languages and services provided by government institutions. The Commissioner also has the mandate to promote the advancement of both official languages in the province. The meeting will focus on New Brunswick’s Official Languages Policy, the general operations of the Office of the Official Languages Commissioner, the complaints process and the annual reporting to the provincial legislation.

11:00-12:00 Meeting with Dialogue New Brunswick KingTower, 440 King Street, Suite 640, Fredericton Carole Fournier, Executive Director

Established in 1989, Dialogue New Brunswick is a not fo profit organization which promotes understanding, respect and appreciation between English-speaking and French-Speaking New Brunswickers. The meeting will focus on existing programs and activities of Dialogue New Brunswick, such as, leadership exchanges between English-speaking and French-speaking communities, Dialogue Ambassador program, Scholarships program for grade 12 students, Youth forums, Pen-pal project within school system, etc.

13:30-15:00 Meeting with Intergovernmental Affairs for New Brunswick 600 King Street, Suite 501,Fredericton Line Pinet, Director, Francophonie and Official Languages Natasha Dubé, Analyst, Francophonie and Official Languages

The Intergovernmental Affairs Branch is responsible for managing cooperative agreements and arrangements with Canadian and Foreign governments, for New Brunswick's participation in international intergovernmental organizations, and for the negotiation and implementation of federal-provincial agreements relative to official languages. The Branch is also responsible for the management of the Program on the Provision of Official Languages Services




The meeting will focus on the coordinating and monitoring role of the Branch regarding bilingualism plans of individual ministries and the provision of services in both languages to the public.

13:30-15:00 Meeting with NB Translation Bureau Marysville Place 20 McGloin Street Fredericton, New Brunswick Jeff Trail, Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategy and Procurement Jo-Ann Leblanc, Director, Translation Bureau Pascale Bergeron, Manager, Translation Services Lucette Surette, Chief Interpreter and Manager of Interpretation Services Anne Rae, Manager, Information Technology and Support Services Marie MacKin, Terminologist

The New Brunswick Translation Bureau assists government in fulfilling its obligations for bilingual services as outlined in the Official Languages of New Brunswick Act. The Bureau provides services such as written translation (from English into French and French into English), simultaneous interpretation for conferences, seminars, and other gatherings, consecutive interpretation for court proceedings and administrative tribunal hearings and other linguistic services. It is also responsible to provide interpretation services at sittings of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick and its committees. The meeting will focus on the operations of the NB Translation Bureau, namely Interpretation services in the legislation and at conferences, Translation services in-house and outsourced, and Information Technology and Support Services.

17:35-18:58 Flight – Fredericton-Toronto (AC 8959)




Tuesday, June 5 09:30-11:30 Meeting with the Office of Francophone Affairs for Ontario 700 Bay Street, 2nd Floor Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario Eric Mezin, Director of Policy

Created under the French Language Services Act, the Office of Francophone Affairs works together with the ministries to ensure that the public has access to services in French in the 25 designated areas. It also provides information on the province's Francophone population to other levels of government and the public. The meeting will focus on the coordination and monitoring role of the Office with provincial ministries, on the designation of regions in Ontario where services in French are compulsory, on strategies for active offer, and on the establishment of advisory committees in ministries on French Language services issues.

13:30-16:00 Meeting with the Commissioner for French Language Services for Ontario 700 Bay Street, Suite 2401 Toronto, Ontario François Boileau, Commissioner Jocelyne Samson, Manager Investigations, Executive Policy Advisor

The French Language Services Commissioner has a mandate to conduct independent investigations under the French Language Services Act, either in response to complaints or on his own initiative, to prepare reports on his investigations, and to monitor the progress made by government agencies in the delivery of French Language services in Ontario. The meeting will focus on the role and responsibilities of the Commissioner for French Language Services, the complaint mechanism, and the production and consultation process of the annual report.

Wednesday, June 6

09:25-13:59 Train – Toronto-Ottawa (Via Rail 54)

15:00-16:30 Meeting at University of Ottawa Tabaret Hall, Room 210, Laurier Ave East Christian Detellier, Vice-President Academic and Provost Pierre Boyer, Director, International Affairs Caroline Andrew, Director, Centre of Governance Luise Von Flotow, Chair,School ofTranslation and Interpretation Pierre Foucher, Professor, Faculty of Law Sheila Scott, Assistant Director, Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute

Founded as the College of Bytown in 1848, the University of Ottawa is North America's oldest and largest bilingual university. Since 1848, the University of Ottawa has been Canada's university: a reflection, an observatory and a catalyst of the Canadian experience in all its complexity and diversity. The university is characterized by its unique history, its commitment to bilingualism, its location both in the heart of the national capital and at the juncture of French and English Canada, its special commitment to the promotion of French culture in Ontario and to multiculturalism.




Lise Bazinet, Assistant Director, Promotion and Development, Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute

The Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) is an integral part of the University of Ottawa’s vision for the future, where teaching excellence and innovation complement the institution’s commitment to bilingualism. OLBI strengthens and promotes education and research in the fields of teaching, evaluation and language policy design. It also brings together the University of Ottawa’s experts in official languages and bilingualism in four areas: Teaching, Research, Testing and Evaluation, and Development and Promotion. The meeting will focus on the role the University of Ottawa is playing, through its various faculties, departments and programs of study, in assisting the federal, provincial (Ontario in particular) and municipal (City of Ottawa) governments with the implementation of official languages policies in Canada.




Thursday, June 7 Hotel pick-up 8:40

09:00-10:30 Meeting with City of Ottawa 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, Ontario Robert Monette, City Councilor Mathieu Fleury, City Councilor David Chernouchenko, City Counsilor Renée Bertrand, Manager, French Language Services

The French Language Services Division (FLSD) was created in May 2001 following the adoption of the Bilingualism Policy by City Council. The FLSD is focused on the delivery of services in French and thereby ensures the provision of French language services to City of Ottawa residents and employees. It also promotes services in French within the City's various departments. Finally, the FLSD coordinates the translation services. The meeting will focus on the application of the bilingualism policy in the day to day operations of the municipal government, on promotional activities with and support to the private sector (restaurants, hotels, tourism industry), and on social integration activities for all cultural communities.

12:00-13:00 Meeting with Parliamentary Committee on Official Languages Centre Bloc, Parliament Hill, Ottawa Michael Chong, MP, Chair of Committee Simon Larouche, Clerk of Committee Lucie Lecomte, Analyst

A Standing Committee of the House of Commons set up, as required by the Official Languages Act, to review the administration of the Act, the regulations and directives, and the Annual reports from the Commissionner of OL, the Treasury Board and Canadian Heritage. All political parties are represented on the Committee. The meeting will focus on the workings of the Committee, on special studies conducted by the Committee, and on the recommendation process to government regarding responsibilities of line ministries and institutions in implementation the Official Languages Policy.

14:15-15:50 15:15-16:00

Question Period in House of Commons Guided tour of Parliament Building

Witness the debate of parliamentarians in the House of Commons and the use of simultaneous interpretation.

17:00-19:00 Reception at University of Ottawa – OLBI Fauteux Hall, Atrium (3rd Floor), 57 Louis-Pasteur St. Host: Mr.Christian Detellier, A/Vice-President Academic and Provost

The purpose of the reception is to give the delegates the opportunity to meet and socialize with government and institution officials they have met during the TEM.




Friday, June 8 Hotel pick-up 8:40

09:00-14:00 Debriefing and working session with National Language Project Staff and delegation

A review of observations and findings and group discussion on the immediate actions and medium term recommendations to the MNLSI, to be included the TEM final report prepared by delegate members.

14:00-15:00 Meeting and debrief with senior officials from CIDA and DFAIT at CIDA 200 Promenade du Portage, Gatineau, Room 871

A presentation by delegates to senior officials of CIDA and DFAIT on findings and recommended action to the MNLSI, and on future activities to be considered within the NLP.

21:05 Depart Ottawa on flight number AC 928 to Montreal; Depart Montreal at 23:15 on flight number QR 928 to Doha

Saturday, June 9 6:15 Arrive Doha; Depart Doha at 7:55 on flight number QR 304

Sunday, June 10 3:25 Arrive Colombo



Briefing at Agriteam Canada, Gatineau Meeting with CIDA Officials at Agriteam Canada

Working Lunch at the Residence of the Sri Lankan High Commissioner for Canada, Ottawa

Meeting and debrief with Senior Officials from CIDA and DFAIT at CIDA Office, Gatineau

Meeting with OLBI, University of Ottawa Reception at University of Ottawa, Ottawa

Report on the National Languages Project Technical ... · PDF fileReport on the National...

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