Accountability and Coordination Framework of the Roadmap for Canada’s Linguistic Duality - Justice Canada Component Evaluation

5. CONCLUSIONS

The preceding pages present the main findings of the evaluation of the Accountability and Coordination Framework of the Roadmap for Canada’s Linguistic Duality - Justice Canada component. The evaluation makes it possible to draw conclusions based on three key topics: relevance, effectiveness, as well as efficiency and economy.

5.1. Relevance

This evaluation found that the mandate of and functions carried out by the Official Languages Law Section under the Roadmap fit adequately into the federal government’s broad policies on official languages. Since the OLP and the Canadian government’s official language obligations are based on a legal framework, federal institutions need continued support to navigate in this context. The functions assigned to the OLLS within the Framework were designed to help these institutions in this aspect. These functions also comply with the Department of Justice’s role set out in the Roadmap and its Accountability and Coordination Framework.

Moreover, by the nature of its work, the OLLS contributes to the second strategic outcome for the Department which requires "a federal government supported by effective and responsive legal services". The OLLS, by its involvement in official languages, also aligns with one of the departmental priorities for 2011-12 which is to provide "direct and indirect support for implementation of all government priorities".

It was also possible to observe the essential nature of the functions carried out by the OLLS. These are seen to be necessary to support the horizontal coordination of the Roadmap. In particular, by being proactive, the OLLS is able to minimize the legal risks connected with the official languages sector. It is also acknowledged with contributing to consistency in the federal government’s positions in litigation involving official languages.

5.2. Effectiveness

In terms of its support to horizontal management of official languages, the OLLS has made its mark in recent few years. This is especially true in several major cases, which called upon a number of federal institutions, or as an advisor with the CADMOL, which coordinates the OLP. Official language stakeholders in the federal government recognize the value of the OLLS’s horizontal role.

This evaluation found that there is still some uncertainty about whether there has been - in recent years - any improvement in coordination of the Official Languages Program overall. The lag is apparently attributable to lingering confusion around governance of the OLP and the roles of other players. That being said, this confusion may influence indirectly on the OLLS’s role in it.

In fact, although it is generally recognized that the OLLS guides the Roadmap coordination bodies on legal issues, its positioning under the Official Languages Program Coordination component still appears to attribute it more responsibilities in this regard. The OLLS should better communicate its coordination role.

The evaluation also identified that some of the resources provided by the OLLS generate a great deal of interest and are proving to be much used. The evaluation identified the value-added of tools like the litigation summaries and legal opinions. The training sessions, practice group and on-line information are also among the activities or services that are known and regarded as useful. However, the number of training activities that have been evaluated is limited. To obtain more structured feedback, it would be important for the OLLS to consider developing feedback mechanisms that are relevant to the different forums where training activities are held.

Moreover, since the OLLS played a key role in publicizing the issues around major litigation, it has greatly contributed to a better knowledge of the spirit and intent of the OLA within federal institutions. However, the OLLS has challenges expanding its audience and influence beyond a fairly small circle.

5.3. Efficiency and Economy

The evaluation found that value-for-money resulting from the OLLS performing its duties in fulfilling its responsibilities under the Framework has been achieved. The Roadmap has enabled the OLLS to strengthen its ability to play its expected role. The amount allocated seems modest, given the importance of its mandate and outcomes.

Moreover, the recent change in the federal landscape, noted mainly through the broadening of the scope of Part VII of the OLA and government transformations, has required the OLLS to become increasingly involved by expanding and enhancing the range of services it provides. Since its resources are relatively limited, the OLLS has improved its management practices in order to reinforce its efficiency in delivering its services.