Consultation process with official language minority communities (OLMCs)

Note: this tool is being updated to reflect the changes to Part VII in the modernized Official Languages Act. Please direct questions to OLCEInformationCELO@tbs-sct.gc.ca

Consultation process with official language minority communities (OLMCs) [PDF version - 153 KB]

Guiding principles

The Government of Canada has committed to encouraging Canadians to become more involved in public policy debates. Citizens participate fully when they play an active role in identifying issues, exploring potential solutions and determining resources and priorities.

Under the Official Languages Act (OLA), all federal institutions must take positive measures to promote the development of official language minority communities and foster recognition and use of English and French in Canadian society.

The OLA does not define the term “positive measures.” The implementation of positive measures takes many different forms, depending on the mandate of each federal institution. By continuing to listen to the communities and by demonstrating leadership, your institution will be able to identify positive measures.

Main guiding principles

Carried out in a timely manner
Predictable
Efficient
Adapted
Transparent
Founded on the principles of good faith, respect and mutual responsibility

Preparation and implementation

Consultations are undertaken early enough in the decision-making process to ensure that participants’ contributions have an impact on decision-making.
When possible, consultations are prepared jointly with organizations representing OLMCs prior to the event.
The proposed activity is carried out in a timely manner.
From the outset, the format, objectives, purpose and expected outcomes of the process are clearly stated.
The consultation process is positioned on the ladder of citizen participation (see below).
Participants understand the level of involvement and influence they are expected to have in the decision-making at the outset.
Communications sent by OLMC representatives are responded to in a coordinated and timely manner.
Participants are provided with objective, complete, clear and relevant information so that they can participate in a meaningful way.
Consulted groups are given enough time to form an opinion on the matter and to provide meaningful feedback.
Public servants respond to concerns that may arise during implementation.
Participants are allowed to make suggestions on the inclusion of other potential stakeholders (for example, provincial and territorial representatives, as needed).
The appropriate stakeholders are part of the discussion.

Follow ups

Meeting minutes are documented, catalogued and archived.
Participants are informed how their proposals are taken into account.
The results of the consultations are communicated and known (deadlines, format and means).
Opportunities for informal exchanges between community representatives and representatives of federal institutions are promoted on an ongoing basis (outside the formal consultation process).

Ladder of citizen participation

Stakeholders’ level of involvement and responsibility in a participatory process:

Information – Participants learn about issues relating to a problem to be solved, a project, a program or a policy.
Consultation/Dialogue – Participants share their views and opinions with decision-makers.
Discussion – Participants discuss an issue and justify their ideas and views.
Deliberation – Participants form their opinions on a specific issue.
Collaboration – Participants contribute to defining and shaping the participatory process and directly assist in decision-making.

Source: Les échelles de la participation publique, Institut du nouveau monde, http://archive.inm.qc.ca/blog/les-echelles-de-la-participation-publique/ (available in French only)

More information

Contact the Official Languages Branch

Page details

Date modified:: 2024-07-03

Language selection

Search