News release

Linguistic Study on Use of Government Services in French Released

Acadian Affairs (to Oct. 2016)

A study into the use of government services by French-speaking Nova Scotians shows that efforts by the province to improve French-language services are going in the right direction.

The research released today, March 1, shows that many Acadian and francophone citizens prefer to receive government services in French and are more likely to take advantage of French-language services when they are explicitly and proactively offered by government.

"Only one francophone in 10 is likely to request government services in French without prompting," said researcher Kenneth Deveau. "However, nearly nine out of 10 francophones state that there is a strong probability that they would use a government service in French in the presence of a proactive offer from a government employee."

A "proactive offer" combines a bilingual greeting with visual cues, such as pins or signs that indicate that a service is available in English or French.

"The results of the study show that Nova Scotia can contribute to the vitality of its Acadian and francophone community by increasing the presence of French in its communications, signage and establishments and by being proactive in the delivery of its services in French," said Mr. Deveau.

The study involved 600 Acadians and francophones living in the Argyle, Clare, Chéticamp, Isle-Madame and Halifax regions, and dealt with language experiences, behaviours and beliefs. It was conducted by Mr. Deveau, Rodrigue Landry and Réal Allard and was funded by Canadian Heritage and Acadian Affairs, through the Canada-Nova Scotia Agreement on French-language Services.

"The province has made significant efforts to improve government services to Acadian and francophone Nova Scotians over the last few years and this study affirms that we're going in the right direction," said Vaughne Madden, chief executive officer of Acadian Affairs.

The province's Bonjour! Visual Identification Program promotes proactive offers. Internally, the program encourages government employees to offer services in French. Externally, it encourages members of the public to ask for, and use, government services in French.

"The study will help us continue to set priorities in planning and delivery processes," said Ms. Madden. "And it can serve as a resource for municipal, provincial and federal governments as well as other service providers looking to improve French-language service delivery."

To view a copy of the study in French, visit www.icrml.ca . Summaries of the study are available in English and French.