As a federal organization, FedNor implements its obligations under the Official Languages Act, including those set out in Part VII, which are aimed at advancing the equality of status and use of English and French in the Northern Ontario region. As part of its regional economic development mandate, FedNor fosters the vitality and supports the development of official language minority communities while helping protect and promote the French language, given its minority situation in Canada and in North America.
Depending on the nature of a project, the target clientele and the communities involved, beneficiaries of FedNor funding may be subject to official languages provisions in their contribution agreement.
The Official Languages Act states that federal institutions must take intentional, positive measures to implement their commitments. To this end, FedNor incorporates official languages considerations into the design and roll-out of its programs and initiatives and in its funding decisions.
When a project supports activities that are likely to affect the members of official language minority communities, or when the target clientele justifies the use of both official languages, the contribution agreement will specify appropriate measures, which can include the delivery of activities, communications or services in both official languages. Official languages provisions vary by project. For example, they may state that:
- the project can be carried out in the official language chosen by the beneficiary;
- the main signage associated with the project must be in both official languages;
- basic communications associated with the project will take place in both official languages;
- enhanced communications and services associated with the project will take place in both official languages;
- the project activities will be organized in such a way that they meet the needs of both official language communities.
When official languages provisions apply to a project, the level of funding may take into account the additional needs associated with their implementation.
To determine whether your project requires official languages measures or to obtain personalized support, please contact your region’s community economic development officer.