La Financière agricole du Québec
Organization
2011-2012 Action Plan for Handicapped Persons
Introduction
Section 61.1 of the Act to secure handicapped persons in the exercice of their rights with a view to achieving social, school and workplace integration requires that an annual action plan be adopted to reduce the barriers to the integration of handicapped persons.
The Office des personnes handicapées du Québec (OPHQ) defines a “handicapped person” as a person with a deficiency causing a significant and persistent disability, who is liable to encounter barriers in performing everyday activities (OPHQ website (in French): www.ophq.gouv.qc.ca).
La Financière agricole du Québec identified and made public a series of measures designed to make its programs and services accessible to handicapped persons. The notion of accessibility encompasses access by the handicapped to physical premises, adapted means of communication, inclusion in the procurment of goods and services process and entry onto the labour market.
Presentation of La Financière agricole du Québec
Mission
The mission of La Financière agricole du Québec is to support and encourage the development of the agricultural and agri-food sector within a perspective of sustainable development. In fulfilling its mission, the agency contributes to Québec's economic development and job creation. Its mandate is to stimulate investments and protect income with the aim of promoting the success and longevity of Québec's farm businesses.
To ease financial, economic and weather-related risks, La Financière agricole offers a wide range of financial tools. To farm businesses, regardless of their size, sector of activity or location throughout the Québec territory, it offers products and services in the areas of income protection, farm insurance and farm and forestry financing. It administers insured assets worth over $4,9 billion and has a portfolio of guaranteed loans reaching $4.3 billion.
Clientele
As the unique Québec government agency responsible for managing financial tools for agricultural needs, La Financière agricole has business dealings with over 27,000 farm and forestry operations.
La Financière agricole regularly assesses customer satisfaction through different surveys, the most recent of which was conducted in 2010. Some 91% of farm operators stated they were satisfied with the services provided by La Financière agricole.
Structure
La Financière agricole is an independent agency governed by a board of directors. The chief executive officer ensures that the agency's mission is carried out.
The agency is present throughout all of Québec's regions, with a network of 23 service centres and 14 service counters that provide most of the programs and services offered. Since September 2005, the head office, located on the south shore of Québec city, has centralized the main administrative units, representing some 300 employees.
Staff
As of March 31, 2011, the staff at La Financière agricole counted 674 employees, 369 of whom worked throughout Québec, directly with clients. Handicapped persons represent 0.6% of our staff.
Agency's Commitment
Providing high quality service to all its customers is a major concern of La Financière agricole. Given the importance and impact of the programs it administers and offers to farm producers, it is essential that everyone has equal access to the programs and can understand what they entail.
The application of the measures outlined in this action plan, as well as any other action deemed applicable with regards to handicapped persons, requires concerted action on the part of the organization’s personnel. Since occasional requests will arise, the most appropriate and effective plan, in our view, is for a specialist in the area to be able to intervene quickly and offer assistance to those in the workplace whenever a person with special needs wishes to take advantage of the services offered by La Financière agricole. This role has been delegated to the coordinator of the file.
By way of this action plan, La Financière agricole pledges to make its products and services accessible to both customers and personnel with special needs while respecting the principles of equity and autonomy.
Adoption of the 2011-2012 Action Plan for Handicapped Persons
The 2011-2012 Action Plan Regarding Handicapped Persons was adopted on May 31, 2011, by Jacques Brind’Amour, the chief executive officer.
© Gouvernement du Québec,
2012