Legislation/Framework

French-language Services Coordinating Committee

The role of the French-language Services Coordinators
The French Language Services Coordinating Committee plays an important role in the development of French language services in Nova Scotia. The committee is comprised of representatives from a cross section of departments, agencies, and offices who are appointed by their deputy minister. As of January 2007, 17 different departments and offices are part of the coordinating committee. This interdepartmental committee works together to plan ways to implement changes that will increase the access to French- language services for the Acadian and francophone population.

The Committee works in collaboration with the Office of Acadian Affairs to support a number of functions. Ultimately, the role of this Committee is to represent assist and advise the deputy head or CEO on the implementation of the French Language Services Act. Reporting directly to the deputy or CEO on matters relating to the Act, the members of this group have an important responsibility. Part of their role is to assist with the development of French-language Services plans that are incorporated into both their department's business and strategic planning and that of the larger provincial or 'corporate' French Language Services Plan.

The mandate of the Coordinating Committee is to identify and pursue joint initiatives and opportunities for increasing the level of French-language government services in the province of Nova Scotia.

This mandate will support the following four corporate objectives:

1. Ensure French-language services in government reflect the intent of the Act.
2. Encourage the Acadian and francophone public to make use of French- language services.
3. Maintain appropriate standards for service delivery.
4. Deliver services in French that reflect the needs of the Acadian and francophone community.

In order to meet its mandate the coordinating committee addresses issues related to human resources, consultations, communications, framework development, and regulations.

French-language Services Coordinating Committee 2008-2009