Regulations to French-language Services Act Approved

The delivery of French-language services to the Acadian and francophone population of Nova Scotia will be improved by new regulations.

The regulations describe the measures government departments, agencies and offices must take to improve services delivered in French by government. They were created after consulting with government and interested groups. The French-language Services Act regulations will take effect Dec. 31.

"Designated government institutions can continue their work on the development of French-language services now, with a more substantial framework for their business planning," said Acadian Affairs Minister Chris d'Entremont.

Besides clarifying which French-language services are to be considered, the regulations also stipulate all departments, most agencies and some offices, will prepare an annual French-language services plan.

The French-language Services Act, proclaimed in 2004, called for regulations by the end of December 2006 to clarify which French-language services government would provide. For the last two years, the Office of Acadian Affairs has worked with government departments and agencies, as well as with the Acadian and francophone community, to find the best approach to delivering services in French, while respecting financial and operational realities of the public service.

"The Acadian and francophone community worked very hard with us (Acadian Affairs) to develop regulations that would result in improved services in French," said Mr. d'Entremont. "With the ongoing support of Acadian Affairs, the regulations will help government deliver on its commitment to provide more French-language services."