Service NL
June 29, 2017
Provincial Government Highlights Progress on Francophone Initiatives at Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie
The Provincial Government has been making positive advances on key initiatives for the province’s Francophone community. The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs, provided his federal, provincial and territorial counterparts with an update on government’s progress while attending the Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie (MCCF) in Gatineau, Quebec.
A priority at this year’s conference was Francophone Immigration. Ministers agreed to continue collaboration with their colleagues responsible for immigration regarding recommendations from the Forum on Francophone Immigration held in Moncton in March 2017. Another priority area is offering more government information and services in French in partnership with the Government of Canada. Ministers also agreed to review with each of their colleagues responsible for justice, measures to be taken to allow and facilitate the use of French in family law.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has made recent advancements in French Services, including:
- Released an Immigration Action Plan in March as part of The Way Forward. Under this action plan, 50 Provincial Nominee Program nominations are reserved each year for Francophone immigrants;
- Adopted the French Language Services Policy in 2015 and created an Interdepartmental Committee on French Services in 2016;
- Integrated the Office of French Services into Service NL in 2017. This strategic move will enhance the office’s capacity to increase services available in French and to take on a greater role in the department’s policy and strategic planning; and
- Created a French version of the birth certificate application form, which is now available online.
In addition to determining other services that could be provided in French, government will work with the Francophone Federation of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Newfoundland and Labrador Francophone Economic Development Network to increase Francophone immigration and retention. The Department of Justice and Public Safety is also exploring federal funding under the Contraventions Act that will support the creation of new bilingual positions for the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The MCCF works for an open, dynamic, and diverse Francophonie that contributes to, and participates fully in, the growth of Canadian society.
Quotes
“This past week I was proud to report to my ministerial colleagues on our government’s substantial progress in French services for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The recent integration of the Office of French Services into Service NL provides opportunities to increase services for the Francophone community in our province. Through this commitment and partnerships in the Ministerial Conference of Canadian Francophonie, we will provide a better quality of life for Francophone and Acadian communities.”
Honourable Perry Trimper
Minister of Service NL
Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs
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Learn more
Towards an Increased Offer of Information and Services in French in Canada: www.scics.ca/en/product-produit/news-release-towards-an-increased-offer-of-information-and-services-in-french-in-canada/ 
Meeting of Ministers Responsible for the Canadian Francophonie on the Occasion of the 150th Anniversary of Confederation:
www.scics.ca/en/product-produit/news-release-meeting-of-ministers-responsible-for-the-canadian-francophonie-on-the-occasion-of-the-150th-anniversary-of-confederation/
French Language Services Policy: www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca/frenchservices/english/french_languages_services_policy.PDF
The Way Forward on Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador: www.nlimmigration.ca/media/21689/immigration_new_online.pdf
The Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie: www.cmfc-mccf.ca
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Media contact
Gina MacArthur
Service NL
729-4748, 730-2977
GinaMacarthur@gov.nl.ca
2017 06 29 11:10 a.m.