Findings on Effectiveness and Impacts. French The French language community does not feel that the Agreement has changed the overall level of services offered in French. It is perceived that the use of French in day-to-day activities is increasing among community members. The demand for services is also increasing. The French community suggested that it is difficult to attribute increased language use to the Agreement as a majority of funding for related language activities is through other sources. Attributing impact to the Agreement, as part of a broader effort therefore is quite impractical and often difficult, as the reporting does not address a results-based approach. All communities with a cultural association appear to have programs that are effective in terms of receiving community support and involvement – the very existence of programs and activities is an indicator of success. The Agreement has contributed these successes by providing funding to these organizations. Successful GNWT initiatives include the provision of translation services by the Department of Justice (both mandated and on a requested basis), the provision of language services at Xxxxxxx Territorial Hospital, 24 hours a day, within a half hour of the request, and various workshops and awareness initiatives and activities, just to name a few. Alternatively, the promotion of official languages and the provision of services by the GNWT are considered inadequate or unreliable by the French community. Without the Agreement, the level of French language services would be considerably lessened. In some cases, the need cannot be met with the resurgence of interest in language and while the activity and service levels of the Agreement are considered ‘uneven’, it has unquestionably contributed to greater interest in activities, certainly at the community level. Combined with other funding sources, it is thought that progress towards the Agreement’s goals – and the language communities’ own goals – is being achieved. The lessons learned from this Agreement include the need for: ⮚ a strategic plan for language support that includes the role of the Agreement; ⮚ GNWT proposals to include objectives, results and performance measures; and ⮚ greater will and support by the GNWT for the provision of French services. It is perceived by the Francophone community that the resources provided by the Agreement are being used as effectively as possible through its flexibility and design. The PDCC is responsive to community needs. The relation...
