News release

Minister Discusses Issues Facing Francophone Broadcasters

Communities, Culture and Heritage (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

Government is exploring ways to support French-language broadcasting, recognizing its role in developing strong and vibrant Acadian and francophone communities.

Acadian Affairs Minister Michel Samson was joined by Kenneth Deveau, vice-president academics and research at Université Sainte-Anne, and representatives from other Canadian jurisdictions at the Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie held recently in Prince Edward Island.

One of the key issues discussed was budget cuts to Société Radio-Canada and the potential negative impact it would have on Acadian and francophone communities.

While the minister agrees that Radio-Canada is an important driver of francophone culture in Nova Scotia, he added community radio stations as a matter to be addressed.

"It is vital for francophones to have access to French-language broadcasting that promotes their vibrant culture, and that is why I raised the point that our four francophone community radio stations need more support," said Mr. Samson. "The government of Nova Scotia and Canadian Heritage had a role in establishing the community radio stations in the province, and something needs to be done so they can continue to serve their communities."

The province's four francophone community radio stations are members of the Association des radios communautaires en Atlantique. They are:

  • CIFA-FM in Clare
  • CKRH-FM in Halifax
  • CITU-FM in Richmond
  • CKJM-FM in Chéticamp

"It is important not to forget about our francophone community radio stations during the higher-profile discussion about cuts to Radio-Canada," said Mr. Samson. "Government is exploring ways that we can help because Acadian and francophone Nova Scotians need their public broadcaster and their community radio stations to be strong."

Also at the conference, Mr. Deveau presented the results of a study conducted among francophone Nova Scotians that reflects the role of French-language services in the development of Acadian and Francophone communities.

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