FRENCH-LANGUAGE SERVICES IN SASKATCHEWAN CONTINUE TO GROW

Saskatchewan is continuing to deliver on its commitment to implement the French-language Services Policy and provide increasingly better access to information and services offered by the provincial government in French.

"It is my personal belief that Saskatchewan thrives when all of its communities, no matter the size or geographic location are informed and engaged," Provincial Secretary Donna Harpauer said. "The steps outlined in this report showcase the good work that is being done in partnership with the Fransaskois community to keep our province strong and growing."

Adopted in 2003, the French-language Services Policy is a formal commitment by the province to enhance French-language services and sets out goals for communication, service delivery and development, in consultation with the Francophone community.

Recent accomplishments include the successful launch of the Bonjour! Website, in January 2010, which provides a single access point for all government services and information available in French. Significant strides have also been made in the field of early childhood education, where additional French daycare spaces have been made available across the province.

As part of a bilingual country, Saskatchewan has obligations to offer French-language services in the areas of justice and education. The province's French-language Services Policy goes beyond these obligations, recognizing the important contribution of Saskatchewan's Francophone community to the social, cultural and economic development of the province.

Details of accomplishments by ministries, Crown corporations and government agencies are outlined in the Report on French-language Services 2009-10. The report and Saskatchewan's French-language Services Policy are available in English and French at www.ops.gov.sk.ca or at www.bonjour.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Jay Teneycke
Office of the Provincial Secretary
Regina
Phone: 306-798-6095
Email: jay.teneycke@gov.sk.ca