French-language Services Plan for 2008-2009

Goals, Objectives and Measures for 2008-2009

Overall objective: support the development, delivery and expansion of quality government services in French for Nova Scotia’s Acadian and Francophone community and support initiatives with structuring effects intended to enhance its vitality.

Corporate Objective 3: Communicate, share information, and promote services available in French

Specific goals and objectives for 2008-2009

  • French-speaking internet users will find more French content and a consistent approach to locating French information on provincial government web sites.
  • Acadian and francophone Nova Scotians are able to receive information in French about government programs and services that are of particular relevance to their communities.
  • Public information (news releases, advisories, etc.) will be translated as appropriate to ensure francophone communities and media outlets receive information in their first language.
  • CNS will take steps to ensure the consultation and communications needs of the Acadian and Francophone communities are considered and met.

Specific measures which will be taken to achieve these goals and objectives in 2008-2009

  • Develop and apply standards for identifying and navigating French content on provincial government department and agency web sites.
  • Continue to distribute news releases in French in accordance with the French Language Services Act regulations and provincial communications guidelines.
  • Provide, whenever practicable, a French-speaking spokesperson to French media.
  • Continue to include French language media in all province-wide advertising campaigns.
  • Continue to support Communications Nova Scotia staff with French-language training.
  • Actively recruit bilingual communications professionals.
  • Continue to support all government departments and agencies in producing French-language materials.
  • Modify corporate communications plan template to ensure consideration of French language in included (i.e. translation of materials, consultation, etc), at the earliest stages of planning.