Intergovernmental Cooperation on Minority-Language Services

From: Canadian Heritage

Intergovernmental Cooperation on Minority-Language Services aims to help provincial and territorial governments offer provincial, territorial and municipal services in the language of the official language minority community to foster its development.

Cooperation framework

Agreements accompanied by strategic plans are negotiated with eligible recipients on an annual or multi-year basis. The objectives of a cooperation agreement can vary depending on the priorities of the eligible recipients. Complementary contributions may be made in addition to the bilateral agreements to carry out one-time initiatives that address emerging priorities.

Within the framework of strategic plans, investments are intended to:

increase the ability of provincial and territorial governments to develop, improve and offer services, other than education, in the language of the official language minority community, including municipal services
strengthen federal-provincial/territorial cooperation on services, other than education, to official language minority communities

Within the framework of special projects, investments will be restricted to measures not included in the strategic plans and will be intended to:

contribute to the creation of new provincial and territorial services in the minority language in response to emerging or timely needs
contribute to the creation of new municipal services in the minority language
encourage cooperation and sharing of expertise between provincial and territorial governments on minority-language services

Eligible recipients

Provincial and territorial governments.

Eligible expenditures

Eligible expenditures include (but are not limited to):

costs to set up, deliver and monitor programs, services and activities, as negotiated under the agreements signed with the provinces and territories

Calendar

Bilateral agreements with eligible recipients are concluded according to a specific cooperation cycle. Applications for funding for special projects may be submitted at any time during the fiscal year.

For 2024-2025, provincial governments must submit their special project proposals through a separate call for projects. Projects starting no earlier than April 1, 2024, and ending no later than March 31, 2028, will be eligible.

The deadline to apply is April 5, 2024.

Provincial governments wishing to submit a project proposal should contact the Official Languages Branch at fptlo-fptol@pch.gc.ca.

Content of application

Assessment of the situation in the area being applied for (with a description of the facts that led to application or strategic plan being developed and the rationale for selecting the proposed approach)
Description of the proposed programs, activities or projects
Clear statement of expected outcomes, with performance indicators for the entire strategic plan/project
Linkages with the objectives of the Intergovernmental Cooperation on Minority-Language Services subcomponents
Linkages with issues related to development of the community or sector being supported and status of community consultations, if applicable
Implementation schedule
Budget with a breakdown of the projected expenditures and financial contribution of each party for the proposed programs or activities

Evaluation criteria

Linkages with the objectives of the Intergovernmental Cooperation on Minority-Language Services subcomponents
Contribution to advancing and structuring the provision by the recipient of services other than education in the language of the minority community
Linkages with the priorities of the official language minority communities
Contribution to increased inclusiveness of official language minority communities, if applicable
Projected outcomes and impact on the community
Relevance of proposed performance measurements
Diversification of partnerships and quality of cooperation with other partners
Balance between budget and projected activities

Funding decisions are based on the above criteria and available funds. All funding decisions are made by the Minister of Official Languages.

Funding terms

Funds are paid under a contribution agreement that specifies the reporting requirements and the terms and conditions of payment.

Contractual obligations for special projects are confirmed within the framework of the bilateral agreement on minority-language services covering the term of the project.

The Department will assume no responsibility for any contractual commitments entered into by the applicant prior to confirmation of financial support from the Department.

How to apply

Provincial and territorial governments who wish to apply under the Intergovernmental Cooperation on Minority-Language Services subcomponents should call the Official Languages Branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Contact us

Address: Official Languages Support Programs
Department of Canadian Heritage
15 Eddy St, 7th Floor
Gatineau QC J8X 4B3
Email: fptlo-fptol@pch.gc.ca
Telephone: 1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)
TTY: 1-888-997-3123 (toll-free)

Agents are available to answer your questions, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm (ET).

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