Province Celebrates French-language Services -- Journée internationale de la Francophonie

ACADIAN AFFAIRS--Province Celebrates French-language Services -- Journée internationale de la Francophonie

Members of Nova Scotia's Acadian and francophone community gathered with government officials in Halifax today, March 20, to celebrate improvements in French-language service being offered by the province.

Acadian Affairs Minister Chris d'Entremont said that the gains have been achieved through a partnership of government and community members.

"Acadians and francophones are telling us what government services they most want to receive in French and we're responding to those priorities," said Mr. d'Entremont. "Nova Scotians are now receiving more French-language services in person, over the phone, and through the Internet than ever before. And what better way to mark that progress and to say thank-you, than on la journée internationale de la Francophonie?"

La journée internationale de la Francophonie, International Francophonie day, started in 1998 as a way for the members of la Francophonie to celebrate their common bond, the French language, as well as their diversity. La Francophonie comprises 56 member states and governments who use French. Events are held throughout the world to mark this day.

Nova Scotia's French-language Services Act was proclaimed in 2004 The regulations for the Act came into effect at the end of 2006.

"We've really been working as a team to meet the needs of the community," said Mr. d'Entremont. "And while there is still work to do, I recognize that very important first steps have been taken."

Mr. d'Entremont also said he will table a progress report on French-language services in the weeks to come.