Policy A-1

 Language Policy

Implemented September 2013

Outline 

Preamble……………………………………..……1

Objective…………………………………………..1

Benefits of a Bilingual Organization…………1

Equality and Excellence of Service…………….1

Advantage and Impact…………………………..1

Service Provider…………………..…………….2

Third Party Service Providers………..………3

Appendix…………………………………………3

A – Official Language Act, SNB, 2002, c O-0.5

Preamble

NBSPRN’s Language Policy is intended to assist and guide NBSPRN in carrying out its mission in both official languages of New Brunswick.

Objective

The objective of the NBSPRN’s Language Policy is to ensure that services of equal quality are offered and provided in both official languages of New Brunswick.

As such NBSPRN recognizes the importance of the Official Language Act, SNB, 2002, c O-0.5.

Members of the public or organizations who wish to communicate with the NBSPRN can do so in the official language of their choice and they can expect to be offered and receive the available service in the official language of their choice.————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Benefits of a Bilingual Organization

Equality and Excellence of Service

Canada and New Brunswick’s linguistic diversity is growing and is part of their culture. Proud and conscious of this diversity and for the sake of fairness and quality of service, we now want to continue our activities in both official languages.

Advantage and Impact

The establishment of a language policy increases accessibility to information and resources for members. A bilingual organization can reach more potential members.

The establishment of a language policy provides a sustainable approach to an organization. The policy ensures that over time the necessary arrangements are in place for the provision of services in both official languages ​​(for example with respect to matters of finance and deadlines, to budget planning or designation of positions)

The establishment of a language policy encourages members and staff to communicate and participate. The policy indicates that people are welcome to participate in the official language of their choice.————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Service Providers

While the NBSPRN does not have a legal obligation to offer and provide services in the official language of choice of the public, Andy Scott, founder of NBSPRN recognized the importance of bilingualism and designed NBSPRN as a bilingual organization.

Members of the public or organizations who communicate with the NBSPRN or its representatives can do so in the official language of their choice. They can expect to be offered and receive the available service in the official language of their choice. When a representative of NBSPRN cannot offer services in the language of choice they will ensure that another representative of NBSPRN will get back to that member of the public or organization in a timely fashion.

NBSPRN will offer the following services in both official languages:

• Oral communication;
• Correspondence;
• Electronic service delivery channels (e-mail, internet, voice-mail);
• Website;
• Staffing interviews;
• Information material;
• Signage;
• Events;
• Activities;
• Meetings.

Third Party Service Providers

Third Party Service Providers refers to services / events / meetings / communications provided through initiatives involving a third party other than the NBSPRN.

Because of associated costs, the NBSPRN will no ensure that Third Party Service Providers services are offered and provided in both official languages of New Brunswick.

This principle applies to services / events / meetings / communications held by the NBSPRN for a Third Party Service Providers. Any services / events / meetings / communications held by a Third Party Service Providers will be held in the language of the Third Party Service Providers.

Appendix

A – Official Language Act, SNB, 2002, c O-0.5