Renewed Agreement Strengthens French-Language Services

Nova Scotia has signed a new five-year funding agreement with the Government of Canada to continue advancing French-language services across the province.

The Canada-Nova Scotia Agreement on Minority-language Services commits both governments to investing $11.8 million each between 2023 and 2028 to support the development and vitality of the Acadian and francophone community.

“We are pleased to renew this agreement with the federal government as we look at ways to provide ongoing support to departments, offices and agencies of government to provide programs and services which respond to the priorities of Nova Scotia’s Acadian and francophone community,” said Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie. “This agreement strengthens our capacity to deliver French-language services and continue to promote, protect and preserve the French language and culture in Nova Scotia.”

Nova Scotia is receiving 81 per cent more in federal funding compared to the previous agreement.

Quotes:

“From coast to coast to coast, official-language minority communities make up part of our rich cultural tapestry. That’s why agreements like the one reached with Nova Scotia are so important. Together, we’re making sure that essential services are offered in both official languages and we’re supporting communities in promoting the richness they bring to Nova Scotia and to Canada as a whole.”
— Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages

“The Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse is very happy with the new federal-provincial agreement between Ottawa and Nova Scotia, with enhanced federal funding for 2023-2028. This will allow the Province to better apply the updated French-language Services Act and support government institutions in delivering services in French to Acadian and francophone communities.”
— Denise Comeau Desautels, president, Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse

Quick Facts:

• Acadian Affairs and Francophonie is mandated to develop partnerships with Acadian and francophone agencies at provincial, national and international levels
• the agreement renews the previous agreement and runs until March 31, 2028
• Nova Scotia recently introduced amendments to the French-language Services Act

Additional Resources:

News release – Amendments to French-language Services Act: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/09/10/amendments-french-language-services-act

Acadian Affairs and Francophonie:

• website: https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/acadian-affairs-and-francophonie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Affairesacadiennes
• X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/OAAF_NE