Canadian HR Reporter

CANADIAN HR REPORTER June 15, 2015 FEATURES 15 Full-time | Part-time | Online Immigration Consultant Diploma Program FOR INFORMATION & APPLICATION: 604.628.5784 or 1.844.628.5784 www.ashtoncollege.ca Qualifying as a regulated immigration consultant allows you to assist and represent foreign talent in the immigration process. "Canada is positioned as a global leader in knowledge, innovation, low tax rates and job creation. This means that Canada can attract top talent and investment from around the world." - Hon. James Moore, MP Minister of Industry EMPLOYEE/HR EDUCATION Opening up a world of opportunities Learning and speaking English, French on the job has its benefits By Diego Salmon I n 1969, Canada recognized both English and French as its official languages. For- mer prime minister Pierre El- liott Trudeau declared it "a tes- tament to Canada's rich diversity of temperament, viewpoint and culture" and said it enabled the "full use of the skills and energy of all its citizens. Canada will be more interesting, more stimu- lating and, in many ways, richer than it has ever been and much better-equipped to play a useful role in the world of today and tomorrow." A few months later, the federal government also launched the Official Languages in Education Program, providing funding for second language and minority language instruction in both of- ficial languages. Since then, new programs have been implemented to encourage individuals to learn both official languages. Regulations now require mid- level managers in the federal gov- ernment to achieve higher levels of language proficiency. Native English speakers must reach level CBC (C for advanced in reading, B for intermediate in writing and C for advanced in oral interaction) in French, while native French speak- ers must have a CBC in English. Before, they only had to match the highest level of language skills of their employees. Managers are retested every five years to ensure they retain their level of proficiency. To help with their careers, many professionals — both in the private and public sectors — make a point to learn and use both lan- guages on the job. Improving competencies Reagan-Mae Roberts understands the importance of proficiency in both languages. As chief of stra- tegic planning resource manage- ment at Transport Canada, she spent three-and-a-half months — all day, every day — at Berlitz im- proving her competency in French. She worked with two instruc- tors daily, from such places as Af- rica, the Middle East and Canada, learning their own life stories, cul- ture and native accents. "I became more confident and more effective. It made my job easier. I could hold meetings with my staff in both languages. I could communicate," she says. "I don't hesitate to speak in French at meetings or even in the street if I bump into someone who speaks French." Sometimes, Roberts pur- posely holds staff meetings only in French, giving everyone the chance to practise their skills. "Learning a second language is hard, but it is an opportunity for growth," she says. Linda White, team leader at Transport Canada in Ottawa, studied French so she could move forward with her public service career and communicate with colleagues in both official languages. "Having two official languages is an important characteristic for Canada. I'm happy to see the gov- ernment is giving it priority in the workplace," she says. She immersed herself in the language full-time, every day, while also reading books, watch- ing French TV and looking at public service websites in French. "It's definitely a commit- ment," she says. "It's definitely worthwhile." White says she now has more freedom to communicate with her francophone colleagues, and is more efficient at work. Before, she focused on English files; now, she leads a team and reviews files in both French and English. She also says she has more free- dom in her everyday life. "Before I was restricted to only English TV programs. Now, I have a much wider choice of French and English programs." Private sector benefits Corporate employees also say it's important to learn both languag- es. Previously, Marybeth Jordan, managing director in wealth management at CIBC in Toronto, relied on her bilingual team in Montreal to communicate with colleagues and French-speaking clients. "It was really awkward for our customers who would try to talk with me in English," she said. "ey would switch to French in the middle of the conversation. "One day it hit me — I abso- lutely have to speak French." One year later, after taking language learning, Jordan com- municates more effectively with clients and feels comfortable giv- ing speeches in French. "I want to speak directly, not through someone else. I want what I am saying to be what peo- ple are hearing," she says. "Now, I'm closer to my team and closer to the customer." People appreciate if you make the effort to speak in their language — it shows respect, says Jordan. "Things are not the same in English and French. Colleagues and clients come from a different place. It is exciting to have a view into another culture." Jordan supplements language learning by watching French TV programs and listening to French music on the train. She says she is constantly thinking, "How would I say that in French?" Bob Masterson, vice-president of responsible care for the Chem- istry Association of Canada, started learning French last year when he realized his role was less technical and more about rela- tionships with members, many of whom are francophones. Being able to communicate in French "opens doors and im- proves relationships," he says. "ere's a sense of fair play and people appreciate it." Masterson, who lives in Que- bec, says he can manage without a knowledge of French, but now his life is enhanced both person- ally and professionally and he is considering a trip to Paris. Diego Salmon is regional director, North and Central America, at Berlitz Learning Services in Princeton, N.J. He can be reached at (609) 759-5408 or diego.salmon@berlitz.us. Credit: Artefficient/Shutterstock

• Cover