Vision, Mission, Mandate and Core Business Areas

Vision

The Office of Acadian Affairs envisions a vibrant Acadian and francophone community that enjoys significant support from the Province of Nova Scotia, thus enabling its members to grow and develop as a people.

Mission

The mission of the Office of Acadian Affairs is to offer advice and support to departments, offices, agencies, and Crown corporations so they can develop and adapt policies, programs, and services that reflect the needs of the Acadian and francophone community of Nova Scotia.

Mandate

The objects and purposes of the Office of Acadian Affairs as stated in the French-language Services Act are to:

1. ensure that the Government is aware of the needs of the Acadian and francophone community;
2. offer advice and support to departments, offices and agencies of Government and to Crown corporations for the purpose of developing and adopting or providing programs, policies and services that reflect the needs of the Acadian and francophone community;
3. serve as a central support agency for other departments for French-language services within the Government;
4. develop partnerships with Acadian and francophone agencies at provincial, national and international levels;
5. ensure that Acadian and francophone needs are addressed in the development of programs, policies and services; and
6. recognize the contribution of the Acadian and francophone community.

Core Business Areas

1. Reinforcement of the legislative framework for French-language Services
   Reinforcement of the legislative framework is key to increasing government’s capacity to offer French-language services. The Office of Acadian Affairs works with government to ensure that designated public institutions are aware of their obligations under the French-language Services Act.
2. Interdepartmental relations
   The Office of Acadian Affairs views the process of developing French-language services as one of collaboration and cooperation. The Office of Acadian Affairs provides support services to departments, offices, and other public institutions in order to help them develop and implement their French-language services. The Office of Acadian Affairs also helps facilitate communications between the Acadian and francophone community and government.
3. Intergovernmental relations
   The Office of Acadian Affairs develops relationships at the interprovincial, national, and international levels in order to advance the delivery of French-language services by the Government of Nova Scotia and to contribute to the growth of its Acadian and francophone community.
4. Citizen engagement of the Acadian and francophone community
   The strength and solidarity of the Acadian and francophone community are key factors for the development of an environment where government services are available in French. The relationship which exists between government and the Acadian and francophone community must be nurtured.