Legislation/Framework

French-language Services Act

On December 9th, 2004, the French-language Services Act was proclaimed in Nova Scotia. Please see the link above for the Act Respecting the Office of Acadian Affairs and the Delivery of French-language Services by the Public Service.

Since that time, the Office of Acadian Affairs has been working with government departments and agencies, as well as with the Acadian and francophone community to find the best approach to delivering services in French while respecting financial and operational realities of the public service.

In May 2006, Executive Council gave the Office of Acadian Affairs permission to consult the Acadian and francophone community, as well as the broader general public to set service priorities so that regulations could be drafted. The Act, specified regulations be produced by December 31, 2006, to clarify what French-language services government would provide for the public. With input acquired from consultations with the community, from the French-language Services Coordinating Committee, and with legal council from the Department of Justice, Acadian Affairs were able to develop draft regulations for the French-language Services Act.

The regulations orient provincial departments, offices and agencies on their responsibilities with regards to government services in the French-language.

Our government is committed to providing the level of services required to "develop and maintain for future generations the French language which contributes to the enhancement of life in Nova Scotia". (French-Language Services Act)

French-Language Services Act
French-language Services Regulations