Originally developed in 2013 by the Francophone Affairs Secretariat to guide the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) with development, implementation, offer and delivery of French language communications and services to the public.
Each successive Strategic Plan is based on the GNWT’s progress in the last five years. The newest plan contains recommendations from the evaluation of the 2018-23 Strategic Plan, including creating a full‐time position within the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) to focus solely on the French Language Services Improvement Projects portion of the Authority. Another recommendation targets increased dialogue between the Francophone Affairs Secretariat and community representatives to facilitate improved communications, clarify expectations, and aid in the resolution of any issues.
The release of the new Strategic Plan also coincides with the release of the latest Standards for French Language Communications and Services. While the Strategic Plan outlines overarching priorities for services, monitoring, evaluation and Francophone community input, the Standards outline instructions and processes for providing services and communications to the Francophone community.
“The Strategic Plan on French Language Communications and Services represents a milestone in our commitment to uphold the highest standards of French language services across the Northwest Territories. As a linguistically rich territory, we are proud of the vibrant tapestry of languages and cultures in the North, and we recognize the value French-speaking residents bring to our communities. Through the meticulous work of the Francophone Affairs Secretariat, we are making real progress in ensuring that French language communications meet the essential needs of our French-speaking population.”
Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
QUICK FACTS
The 2023-28 version of the Strategic Plan on French Language Communications and Services is the third version since 2013. Each plan has been informed by the previous.
Every GNWT department has a French Language Service Coordinator, who champion and coordinate the provision of quality French language communications and services for the GNWT.
The significant demand communities across the North are Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Inuvik. GNWT communications must be translated into French in these target communities.
The Francophone Affairs Secretariat provides advice and support to GNWT departments, boards and agencies on their provision of French language communications and services to the public. It oversees orientation programs, translation services, audits and liaising with the francophone community, among other operational services and programs.
For media requests, please contact: Briony Grabke Manager, Public Affairs and Communications Department of Education, Culture and Employment Government of the Northwest Territories briony_grabke@gov.nt.ca 867-767-9352 Ext. 71073
Correction: A previous version of this release included the line, “French Language Communications and Services,” which has been updated to, “French Language Services Improvement Projects .” This change was made for accuracy and clarity. The correction was implemented at 2:20pm on October 30, 2024.