Acadian Affairs Seeks New Advisor

The search is on for a new person to help lead Nova Scotia's Office of Acadian Affairs. Réal Samson, senior advisor to the Minister of Acadian Affairs, will retire from the public service in July.

"Réal has helped accomplish so much for Acadian Affairs since his arrival and we are sad to see him go, although we wish him the very best upon his retirement," said Acadian Affairs Minister Chris d'Entremont. "We have now begun the process of finding a suitable replacement."

Mr. Samson has been in the public sector for more than 30 years and has been working in his current position with Acadian Affairs since July 2002. During that time, Nova Scotia introduced and passed its first French-language legislation and developed internal policies to improve the delivery of French-language service in government. The Office of Acadian Affairs is also negotiating an agreement with the federal government to fund an increase of French-language services in the province.

"Now that the office is firmly anchored within the provincial government, I feel the timing is right to begin my retirement," said Mr. Samson. "I am confident that there is a clear, well- defined direction in place that will allow my successor to continue the work to help the government of Nova Scotia offer more services in French."

The mission of the Office of Acadian Affairs is to offer advice and support to departments, agencies and Crown corporations, so they can develop and adapt policies, programs, and services that reflect the needs of the Acadian and Francophone community of Nova Scotia.