About The Awards

The Bonjour! Awards for Excellence in French-language Services recognize outstanding contributions to the development and delivery of French-language programs and services by public servants of Nova Scotia. The Awards encourage and inspire public servants to respond proactively to the needs of the Acadian and Francophone community.

Who is eligible for nomination?

Nominations may be submitted for an individual or a group of government employees who work(s) in an eligible department, office or agency that provides services in French. Eligible departments, offices or agencies are the designated public institutions as named in the French-language Services Regulations. Staff members of Acadian Affairs and French-language services coordinators are not eligible for nomination.

Who can submit a nomination?

Members of the public and government employees may submit a nomination for all three categories: Excellence in Service Delivery, Excellence in Leadership, and Excellence in Program Development.

What are the nomination categories?

1. Excellence in Service Delivery to the Public
   This category recognizes an individual or a group who has provided exemplary service in French. The nominee actively offers to serve clients in French on a continual basis, and strive to improve their capacity to provide quality services in French.
2. Excellence in Leadership
   This category recognizes an individual or group who, through outstanding leadership, has advanced French-language services in the department, office, or agency.
3. Excellence in Program Development
   This category recognizes an individual or group who has developed or adapted a program or service in French for the benefit of the Acadian and francophone community.

How to submit a nomination

Nominations may be submitted by:

1. Online nomination form
2. Downloadable nomination form: Download and print the PDF version of the form.  Please mail this form to Acadian Affairs using the address indicated on the form.
3. Mailed nomination form: A return postage-paid form can be mailed to you on request. Contact Daniel Arpin, Secretary/Receptionist, Acadian Affairs by telephone (902) 424-0497, toll free 1-866-382-5811 or email bonjour@gov.ns.ca, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Should I fill out the nomination form in English or French?

Nomination forms may be filled out in either English or French. The language in which the nomination form is received will not affect how the nomination form is evaluated.

How are the nominees chosen?

The nominee’s evaluation will be solely based on the information contained on the nomination form. Nominees are chosen by a selection committee which will be comprised of:

• A representative from the Acadian and francophone community named by FANE.
• A representative from the government of Nova Scotia named by the Committee of Deputy Ministers and Acadian Affairs on the Implementation of the French-language Services Act.
• A representative from Canadian Heritage.
• A representative from the French-language Services Coordinating Committee.
• A staff member from Acadian Affairs who will serve as a facilitator (non-voting member).

What do the successful nominees receive?

Successful nominees will be formally recognized during the Bonjour! Awards for French-language Services ceremony in March 2012. The ceremony coincides with the worldwide celebration of the Journée internationale de la Francophonie.

For more information about the Award contact

Toll free telephone

1-800-670-4357, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Daniel Arpin

Secretary/Receptionist, Acadian Affairs

Telephone: (902) 424-0497

Toll free telephone: 1-866-382-5811

Email: bonjour@gov.ns.ca