Benefits of Interprovincial Agreement Explored

Acadian and Francophone Nova Scotians are learning how an interprovincial agreement between Nova Scotia and Quebec could help improve French-language services in this province.

Sylvie Lachance, the assistant secretary to Quebec's Canadian Francophonie at the Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat, is in Halifax this week to meet with interest groups that represent Acadian and Francophone affairs in Nova Scotia.

Every year the government of Quebec funds a number of projects across the country as part of its policy on the Canadian Francophonie. The Office of Acadian Affairs signed an agreement with Quebec in 2002.

"This interprovincial agreement helps create exchanges between the two provinces that allow the government of Nova Scotia to make use of expertise in Quebec," said Réal Samson, senior advisor for the Minister of Acadian Affairs. "This is especially important to us right now as our government moves toward implementing its French-language services plans."

As a follow-up to meetings between Acadian Affairs Minister Chris d'Entremont and Quebec's minister responsible for Canadian Francophonie, Benoît Pelletier, the Office of Acadian Affairs invited interest groups to meet so that both the government and the community could discuss partnership opportunities.

"As the only province with a French-speaking majority, Quebec considers that is has a special responsibility for the development of the Francophonie in Canada," said Ms. Lachance. "By coming to Nova Scotia, we hope that we can foster more exchanges between the two provinces."