Acadian MLA Participates in International Conference

One of Nova Scotia's Acadian MLAs has just returned from an international conference that deals with issues affecting Francophone nations.

Michel Samson, one of three bilingual elected officials in Nova Scotia, represented the America Region at the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF)'s European Regional meeting -- an annual forum on democratic issues for Francophone countries that was held last week in Monaco.

The America Region is one of three large areas which make up the French parliamentary organization (or APF). Nine Canadian provinces are members of this region.

Chris d'Entremont, Minister for the Office of Acadian Affairs, said it is important that Nova Scotia has representatives in the organization.

"Our involvement with the APF allows us to play an active role in policy decisions that affect French citizens everywhere," he said today, Oct. 26.

"Being a part of this process means a great deal to me," said Mr. Samson. "Representing the Americas, and of course Nova Scotia, is an honour. As a member of the executive of the APF's American Region, it gives us more opportunity to engage our province in the process."

Nova Scotia has been an active member of the APF since the 1980s. During that time French speaking MLAs have participated in meetings and seminars hosted around the world.