YELLOWKNIFE (April 3, 2012) – The Department of Education, Culture and Employment officially opened the Francophone Affairs Secretariat this morning at its location in the Diamond Plaza. 

As part of the new Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Strategic Plan on French Language Communications and Services, the Secretariat provides advice and support to GNWT departments and agencies to develop plans on French language services and to adopt or provide programs, policies and services that reflect the needs of the Francophone community. It also develops orientation programs for French Language Service Coordinators and, in cooperation with these Coordinators, for employees of government institutions with respect to their obligations under the Official Languages Act of the Northwest Territories.

“Today celebrates the steps taken toward dedicated government services for the NWT francophone community,” said the Honourable Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.  “As one of our official languages, it is important for the francophone community to have the Secretariat to better serve the needs of the community.”

The Secretariat also liaises with the Francophone community on a regular and ongoing basis regarding the provision of French language communications and services and manages Services TNO, the one-stop shop that brings together government services, or information about them, to members of the French community.

For more information, please contact:

Ashley Green
Public Affairs Officer
Education, Culture and Employment
Phone: (867) 920-3059
Email: ashley_green@gov.nt.ca