Minister Launches Award for Excellence in French-language Services Program

An awards program to recognize provincial government employees who develop or deliver outstanding services in French was launched today, March 20.

Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Acadian Affairs, launched the Bonjour! Award for Excellence in French-language Services Program. Champions and former French-language services co-ordinators were also recognized during the event.

"There have been many changes to policy and programs that affect the Acadian and francophone community, such as now being able to order bilingual birth certificates online in French. It is only appropriate that the service related to this progress be recognized," said Mr. d'Entremont.

Individuals or groups of government employees may be nominated in one of three categories: Excellence in Leadership, Excellence in Program Development, and Excellence in Service Delivery to the Public.

"March 20th is the Journée internationale de la Francophonie and what better way to mark the day than by encouraging government employees to excel in developing and delivering French-language services. Providing accessible services in French means building for families and building for the future," said Mr. d'Entremont.

Three champions were honoured during today's launch for contributions to French-lanugage services: Dr. John Hamm, former premier of Nova Scotia; Réal Samson, former senior advisor for the Office of Acadian Affairs; and Gabrielle Verri, program manager, Canadian identity and cultural development, Canadian Heritage.

Ten former French-language services co-ordinators were also honoured during the ceremony.

"We are aware of the efforts required to deliver French-language services to Acadians and francophones in the province and we think it is appropriate that these efforts be officially recognized," said Mr. Désiré Boudreau, president of the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse. "The program will motivate employees at all levels to strive for excellence in their work."

More information on the award is available at www.gov.ns.ca/acadian . Electronic and printable nomination forms will be available on the site in September, when the nomination period begins.