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2025-2026 OL Review Questionnaire for ACOA

Date modified: 2026/05/15

Questionnaire Information

Minister Responsible: Sean Fraser

Deputy Head: Laura Lee Langley

Person Responsible for Official Languages: Julie Noël

Person Responsible for Part VII: Eddie Rutanga

Name of the regional contact person(s) for Part VII of the OLA (if applicable):

Nova Scotia – Lisa Richard

New Brunswick – Hirvelt Pierre-Louis

Prince Edward Island – Deborah Doucette

Prince Edward Island – Nandisha Ramsurrun

Newfoundland and Labrador – Ashley Pomeroy

Governance

Question 1

Obligations stemming from Parts IV, V, VI and VII of the Official Languages Act were on the agenda of the institution’s Senior Management Committee.   (id# 2)

Hint: Refer to the instruction sheet. MANDATORY CLARIFICATION.

[ ] Regularly

[X] Sometimes

[ ] Almost never

[ ] Never

[ ] N/A

Mandatory Clarification/Evidence:

**See document ID#2

Senior management meetings originally scheduled for May 15 and 16, 2025, were rescheduled to May 15, 2025. Official Languages was embedded within the Human Resources update as part of agenda item Block 4. Due to time constraints, not all elements of the deck were presented; however, senior management received the full presentation, which included the following:

In addition, the Agency has an Official Languages Management Committee, co-chaired by two Vice-Presidents who also serve as senior management champions. The committee meets on a quarterly basis, and participating Vice-Presidents regularly brief senior colleagues through informal weekly Vice-Presidents’ calls.

Question 2

The official languages champion and the persons responsible for official languages (PROL) and for Part VII (PRP7) met to discuss the official languages file.  (id# 3)

[X] Regularly

[ ] Sometimes

[ ] Almost never

[ ] Never

[ ] The champion and the person responsible for official languages (PROL) are the same person

[ ] N/A

**No Mandatory Clarification or Evidence Required.

Monitoring

Question 1

Measures were taken regularly to ensure that employees were aware of the institution's obligations under the Official Languages Act (OLA), its Regulations and the Treasury Board’s official languages policy instruments.  (id# 4)

Hint: Refer to the instruction sheet. MANDATORY CLARIFICATION OR EVIDENCE.

[X] Yes

[ ] No

[ ] N/A

Mandatory Clarification/Evidence:

**See documents ID#4, 1-9

Question 2

During budget reduction exercises, the institution took measures to ensure that all its official languages obligations were taken into account and respected.  (id# 12)

Hint: Refer to the instruction sheet. MANDATORY CLARIFICATION OR EVIDENCE.

[X] Yes

[ ] No

[ ] N/A

Mandatory Clarification/Evidence:

**See document ID#12

During budget reduction and workforce adjustment exercises, the Agency ensured that its obligations under the Official Languages Act were fully considered and respected. Official languages requirements were integrated into workforce planning, staffing decisions, and management controls, in alignment with Treasury Board policies and applicable legislative requirements. Official language considerations were incorporated into management decision making and oversight, with potential impacts identified and addressed through established governance, staffing and workforce adjustment processes.

The Agency also ensured that internal policies, directives and administrative procedures, internal communications, and training and information sessions for managers, supervisors and affected employees were available in both official languages. Guides, tools and frequently asked questions were also provided in both official languages. To support consistency and accessibility, a dedicated SharePoint site was established as a centralized reference point, providing up-to-date information and resources and ensuring employees and managers had timely access to official language-compliant materials throughout the exercise.

Advancement of Equality of Status and Use of English and French

Question 1

In carrying out its mandate, the institution considered, based on analyses, its potential to take positive measures to:  (id# 40)

Hint: Select all responses that apply. Refer to the instruction sheet. MANDATORY CLARIFICATION for each selected response.

[X] Support the development of OLMCs

[ ] Promote the full recognition and use of French and English in Canadian society

[ ] Protect and promote French in every province and territory of Canada

[ ] Strengthen opportunities for quality learning in their own language for Francophone and Anglophone minorities

[ ] No, the potential was not considered.

Mandatory Clarification:

ACOA has conducted evaluations, gender-based analysis plus (GBA Plus), and ongoing continuous administrative data collection on the impacts of its programming in relation to equity and diversity, particularly on individuals from official language minority communities (OLMCs), namely francophones in Atlantic Canada. The Agency also regularly engages with OLMC stakeholders to inform decision making.

Findings from these analyses indicate that a significant portion of OLMCs are in rural and remote communities and are more heavily concentrated in sectors such as manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, accommodation, food services, and arts, entertainment, and recreation. ACOA, like other regional development agencies across the country, provides a sizable portion of funding that supports the implementation of regional economic development in OLMCs across Atlantic Canada. This localized delivery approach means that business support organizations in rural and remote communities, and ultimately small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are better targeted and better served.

ACOA’s programming is sufficiently broad to meet the needs of the entire eligible population, including OLMCs. The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) provides more targeted support for OLMC-related priorities.

Question 2

The institution has identified stakeholders that are of interest in the context of its mandate or the implementation of its programs among the following groups:  (id# 41)

Hint: Select all responses that apply. Refer to the instruction sheet. MANDATORY CLARIFICATION OR EVIDENCE for each selected response.

[X] Organizations working to protect and promote the French language

[X] Stakeholders from OLMCs

[X] Organizations that promote the learning of French and English in Canada

[X] Other stakeholders (specify which ones)

[ ] No stakeholder identified

Mandatory Clarification/Evidence:

ACOA has identified several stakeholders across Atlantic Canada that are relevant to its mandate and the implementation of its programs, particularly in relation to official language obligations and the vitality of OLMCs. These include organizations working to protect and promote the French language, stakeholders from OLMCs, organizations that support the learning of French and English in Canada, and other federal, provincial, municipal and community partners.

Organizations working to protect and promote the French language
Stakeholders from OLMCs
Organizations that promote the learning of French and English in Atlantic Canada
 Other stakeholders

Question 3

Measures were taken to ensure that the institution systematically stays informed about the priorities of:   (id# 42)

Hint: Select all responses that apply. Refer to the instruction sheet. MANDATORY CLARIFICATION for each selected response.

[X] OLMCs

[X] Organizations working to protect the French language

[X] Organizations that promote official languages

[X] Other stakeholders (specify which ones)

[ ] No measures taken

Mandatory Clarification:

ACOA has implemented a range of ongoing measures to ensure it systematically remains informed about the priorities of OLMCs, organizations working to protect and promote the French language and organizations that support official languages. These measures include regular engagement with community organizations and federal and provincial partners, participation in structured meetings and intergovernmental discussions, site visits, office-based outreach activities, and the use of evaluation and performance information to support evidence-based decision-making.

These approaches support continuous awareness of community priorities, economic development needs and emerging issues affecting Acadian and francophone communities across Atlantic Canada.

Stakeholders from OLMCs

ACOA systematically stays informed about the priorities of OLMCs through regular and direct engagement with organizations across Atlantic Canada, including ongoing discussions with RDÉE organizations, Université Sainte-Anne, CDÉNÉ, and the Municipality of the District of Clare in Nova Scotia.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, engagement with francophone organizations such as the Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador (FFTNL) and the Association régionale de la Côte-Ouest (ARCO) supports awareness of regional priorities and community needs.

In Prince Edward Island, ACOA maintains ongoing engagement with francophone economic development organizations and community partners, including participation in initiatives such as the RDÉE Prince Edward Island Ignition Pitch Competition, which supports francophone and bilingual entrepreneurs through training, mentorship and business development opportunities. ACOA also maintains regular contact with organizations such as SAF’Île and other community partners involved in economic and community development.

In New Brunswick, ACOA engages regularly with organizations such as the RDÉE NB, the CÉNB and CBDCs, including participation in quarterly meetings that provide updates on regional economic priorities, emerging projects and community-level challenges.

These engagements ensure that OLMC perspectives are continuously reflected in ACOA’s understanding of regional needs and inform program delivery and decision making.

Organizations working to protect the French language

ACOA maintains ongoing engagement with organizations that support the protection and promotion of the French language through regular interaction, consultations and community-based collaboration across Atlantic Canada.

In Nova Scotia, this includes organizations such as CDÉNÉ, Université Sainte-Anne, RDÉE-related organizations and the Municipality of the District of Clare, which provide insight into economic development priorities and service delivery needs within Acadian and francophone communities.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, engagement with organizations such as the FFTNL and ARCO supports continued awareness of francophone community priorities.

In Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, ongoing collaboration with organizations such as SAF’Île, AFMNB, and provincial Francophone economic development organizations ensures that ACOA remains informed of evolving community priorities related to language, culture, and economic development.

Organizations that promote official languages

ACOA remains informed through structured collaboration with federal and provincial partners involved in official language policy and programming.

In Nova Scotia, the Agency participates in regular meetings with Canadian Heritage and the Nova Scotia Office of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie (Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage). These monthly meetings provide a forum to share information, discuss priorities and emerging issues, exchange best practices and maintain awareness of initiatives related to OLMCs and official languages.

These ongoing exchanges support coordination across partners and ensure alignment with broader official language priorities.

Integrated engagement and operational measures

ACOA’s ongoing awareness of stakeholder priorities is also supported through its operational approach across Atlantic Canada. This includes a decentralized regional presence that enables direct engagement with OLMC organizations and communities through regular interactions, site visits and local outreach.

In Prince Edward Island, this includes monthly office hours in Wellington to engage directly with francophone organizations on project development and community priorities. Across the region, ACOA also conducts regular site visits to francophone and OLMC-related projects to maintain relationships and support project implementation.

In addition, ACOA participates in regional and rural development forums, including quarterly Rural Action Centre meetings, where information is shared on funding opportunities, program priorities and community needs.

These engagement mechanisms are complemented by ongoing evaluation activities, including GBA Plus, administrative data analysis and program performance measurement. In combination, these approaches ensure that OLMC priorities are continuously identified, understood and considered in program delivery and decision making across Atlantic Canada.

Question 4

The institution conducted research and/or gathered evidence to inform its decision-making process related to:  (id# 43)

Hint: Select all responses that apply. Refer to the instruction sheet. MANDATORY CLARIFICATION for each selected response.

[X] Taking positive measures

[ ] Including provisions related to OL in agreements with provincial and territorial governments

[ ] The possibility of avoiding or mitigating the direct negative impacts that its structural decisions could have on the government's commitments

[ ] None of the responses

Mandatory Clarification:

ACOA has conducted evaluations, GBA Plus and ongoing administrative data collection related to the impacts of its programming on equity and diversity, including impacts on individuals from OLMCs, particularly francophones in Atlantic Canada. The Agency also regularly engages with OLMC stakeholders to help inform decision making.

The Agency collects administrative data from clients and on the anticipated outcomes of projects, including impacts on OLMCs where applicable. This information is analyzed alongside other contextual factors, such as client self-identification, sector of activity, and alignment with Agency priorities.

Across Atlantic Canada, this research and data indicate that OLMC businesses and entrepreneurs face labour-related challenges such as an aging population, succession planning pressures, youth outmigration, and the economic integration of newcomers. These challenges are often compounded by language barriers and other diversity-related factors.

To help address these realities, ACOA delivers place-based programming and services at both the regional and local levels to support the development of OLMCs, including in rural and remote communities where awareness of government programs may be more limited.

Question 5

The institution held dialogues and/or consultation activities to identify and take into account the priorities of francophone and anglophone minorities and other relevant stakeholders.  (id# 44)

Hint: Refer to the instruction sheet. MANDATORY CLARIFICATION.

[X] Yes

[ ] No

Mandatory Clarification:

ACOA undertakes ongoing engagement with francophone OLMCs and other relevant stakeholders across Atlantic Canada to support awareness of community priorities and inform program delivery. These activities occur through both structured regular dialogues and a range of ongoing engagement activities across the region.

Regular Dialogues

A key mechanism for sustained engagement is ACOA’s participation in quarterly dialogue with the RDÉE across Atlantic Canada. These sessions bring together the four Atlantic RDÉEs on a quarterly basis and provide a structured forum for pan-Atlantic dialogue and collaboration on regional economic development priorities, francophone community needs, entrepreneurship and workforce development issues, and emerging opportunities across OLMCs. These ongoing discussions support continuous information sharing and ensure ACOA maintains a consistent understanding of priorities across francophone economic development organizations in the region.

ACOA also participates in the Atlantic Official Languages Network. This forum brings together francophone organizations and federal and provincial partners to share perspectives, identify challenges, and discuss priorities affecting francophone communities. It provides a collaborative space to strengthen coordination on official languages-related priorities across Atlantic Canada.

Other engagement activities

In Nova Scotia, ACOA participated in a structured afternoon with La Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FANE) and its 29 member organizations. The session used a “speed dating” format to enable direct exchanges on priorities and issues affecting francophone communities. This engagement allowed Agency staff to hear directly from OLMCs and strengthen understanding of community priorities in an interactive setting.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, ACOA is supporting a tourism development initiative on the Port au Port Peninsula along the French Ancestors Route (Route 460). As part of this initiative, engagement activities are undertaken with local communities and stakeholders through community sessions, one-on-one interviews and site visits. These activities help identify local priorities, tourism assets and development opportunities, and support alignment with broader provincial and federal tourism strategies.

In Prince Edward Island, ACOA staff participate in Rural Action Centre meetings and maintain regular engagement with francophone stakeholders through ongoing project-level discussions focused on project development, funding navigation, and collaboration with provincial and local partners. ACOA also supports Acadian tourism development initiatives and pilot projects aimed at strengthening visitor experiences, supporting cultural programming and enhancing the visibility of Acadian heritage in the province.

In New Brunswick, ACOA maintains regular and ongoing engagement with the RDÉE-NB and the CÉNB. These structured and recurring interactions support continuous information sharing on community priorities, potential projects and economic development needs within francophone communities.

Together, these engagement activities ensure that ACOA systematically identifies, considers and integrates the priorities of francophone minority communities and other stakeholders into its program design and delivery across Atlantic Canada.

Question 6

The institution took positive measures to advance the equality of status and use of French and English.  (id# 45)

Hint: Refer to the instruction sheet. If No, explain.

[X] Yes

[ ] No

**No Mandatory Clarification/Evidence Required

Question 7

The positive measures taken by the institution were intended to support one or more of the following government commitments:  (id# 46)

Hint: Select all responses that apply. Refer to the instruction sheet.

[X] Support the development of OLMCs

[X] Promote the full recognition and use of French and English in Canadian society

[X] Protect and promote French in every province and territory of Canada

[ ] Strengthen opportunities for quality learning in their own language for Francophone and Anglophone minorities

**No Mandatory Clarification/Evidence Required

Question 8

The positive measures taken by the institution were specifically intended to:  (id# 47)

Hint: Select all responses that apply. Refer to the instruction sheet. MANDATORY CLARIFICATION for each selected response.

[ ] Promote and support the learning of French and English in Canada

[ ] Foster public acceptance and appreciation of French and English

[X] Encourage and assist organizations, associations, and other entities to reflect and promote Canada's bilingual character

[ ] Ensure the restoration and increase of the demographic weight or Francophone minorities

[X] Support the creation and dissemination of information in French that contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge in any discipline

[X] Support sectors essential to the vitality of OLMCs

[X] Protect and promote the presence of strong institutions serving OLMCs

[X] Other

Mandatory Clarification:

ACOA implements a range of positive measures across Atlantic Canada that support OLMCs and contribute to official language objectives. These measures are integrated into program design, project assessment and partnership development, and are reflected in the initiatives below.

Encourage and assist organizations, associations, and other entities to reflect and promote Canada’s bilingual character

ACOA supports initiatives that encourage organizations to reflect and promote Canada’s bilingual character through project design, funding conditions and delivery approaches.

For example, ACOA supports a regional tourism mapping initiative led by the Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA) that includes collaboration with the Municipality of the District of Clare. The project focuses on updating and expanding authoritative bilingual Google Maps content across Yarmouth County and Clare to improve visitor navigation and digital discoverability. It includes the collection and validation of bilingual geospatial and visual data related to roads, trails, coastal access points, cultural assets, Acadian sites, and key visitor routes, supporting improved wayfinding and broader regional visibility.

ACOA also supports initiatives such as the National Acadian Festival in Prince Edward Island, through funding contributions, which help highlight the vitality of the French language and strengthen the visibility of Acadian cultural identity.

In addition, ACOA provides funding to SAF’Île in Prince Edward Island to support shared HR services for Acadian and francophone organizations, enabling improved organizational capacity and responsiveness to labour market and administrative challenges.

Support sectors essential to the vitality of OLMCs

ACOA supports key economic sectors that are essential to the vitality of OLMCs, including tourism, entrepreneurship and advanced manufacturing.

In New Brunswick, this includes projects such as CCNB INNOV initiatives in advanced manufacturing, Université de Moncton projects in AI, robotics and innovation, SPARK NB entrepreneurship programming, Campbellton tourism development initiatives, Chaleur Regional Service Commission energy transition projects, and workforce retention initiatives led through Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour aimed at supporting international graduates. These initiatives collectively strengthen sectoral capacity, support job creation and ensure francophone regions participate in emerging and priority economic sectors.

In Prince Edward Island, ACOA supports initiatives such as the National Acadian Festival, which contributes to cultural tourism and strengthens the visibility of Acadian heritage as an important regional economic driver.

In Nova Scotia, ACOA works with partners such as the Municipality of the District of Clare and regional tourism organizations to support tourism development and related economic activity in Acadian communities.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, ACOA supports tourism development initiatives such as those along the Port au Port Peninsula, contributing to the development and visibility of Acadian tourism assets.

Protect and promote the presence of strong institutions serving OLMCs

ACOA supports the strengthening of key francophone institutions that serve OLMCs across Atlantic Canada.

In New Brunswick, Université de Moncton projects reinforce the institution’s role as a francophone leader in research, innovation and skills development, while CCNB INNOV initiatives enhance the college’s capacity as an applied innovation and entrepreneurship hub. Municipal and regional organizations such as Campbellton, Chaleur, and Neguac also benefit from projects that strengthen their role as anchors of regional governance and economic development.

These investments reinforce the sustainability and capacity of francophone institutions that play a vital role in OLMC vitality.

Support the creation and dissemination of information in French that contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge

ACOA supports initiatives that contribute to the creation and dissemination of knowledge in French, particularly in applied research, innovation and skills development.

In New Brunswick, Université de Moncton and CCNB INNOV deliver projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing and applied innovation, ensuring that fancophone learners, researchers and businesses have access to scientific and technical knowledge in French.

SPARK NB supports entrepreneurship training, mentoring and business development programming delivered in French, contributing to the dissemination of practical economic and innovation knowledge within OLMCs.

The Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour also supports Blended Online Language Training (BOLT), delivered to working-age newcomers through a hybrid model, improving access to official language training and supporting workforce integration.

Other – inclusive workforce development and accessibility initiatives

ACOA supports targeted initiatives that contribute to inclusive workforce participation and accessibility in francophone and bilingual communities across Atlantic Canada.

For example, In New Brunswick, Chroma NB delivers bilingual workplace training and inclusion practices that strengthen employer capacity to operate in both official languages and support inclusive bilingual workplaces.

Ability New Brunswick advances accessibility through the Accessible New Brunswick program, including SME accessibility assessments and a province-wide accessibility designation system that improves access to employment and services in communities, including OLMCs.

Question 9

The institution took the necessary measures to promote the inclusion of provisions related to official languages during the negotiation of agreements (funding or other), where applicable, with provincial and territorial governments in areas of activity that may contribute to the vitality of official language minority communities, the full recognition and use of French and English in Canadian society, the protection and promotion of French, or opportunities for learning in the minority language.  (id# 48)

Hint: Refer to the instruction sheet. MANDATORY CLARIFICATION.

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

[X] No agreement was negotiated

[ ] N/A

**No Mandatory Clarification/Evidence Required

Question 10

Official language provisions were included.  (id# 49)

Hint: Refer to the instruction sheet.

[ ] Yes

[X] No (No agreements were negotiated)

**No Mandatory Clarification/Evidence Required

Question 11

If provisions were included, the institution published the agreement online or by another means it deemed appropriate.  (id# 50)

Hint: Refer to the instruction sheet. If no provisions were included, select "No, publication not permitted" and explain.

[ ] Yes

[ ] No, optional publication

[ ] No, publication not permitted

[X] N/A (No agreements were negotiated)

**No Mandatory Clarification/Evidence Required

Question 12

The institution has established evaluation and monitoring mechanisms related to all the positive measures it has taken.  (id# 51)

Hint: Refer to the instruction sheet. MANDATORY CLARIFICATION OR EVIDENCE.

[X] Yes

[ ] No

Mandatory Clarification:

ACOA has established monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the implementation and effectiveness of positive measures related to official languages.

These mechanisms include GBA Plus, ongoing administrative data collection and program performance reporting frameworks that support the monitoring of outcomes related to OLMCs. This includes the collection and analysis of project-level data from recipients, where applicable, as well as the assessment of OLMC-related impacts and outcomes.

Monitoring is also supported through ACOA’s Official Languages Action Plan, which outlines departmental commitments and priorities, including the advancement of official languages training and support for OLMC vitality. The Action Plan includes defined objectives and is actively monitored, with progress reported to the Senior Official Languages Management Committee as part of ongoing governance and oversight.

In addition, official languages priorities are embedded in the Departmental Results Framework, which includes commitments to advance the Official Languages Action Plan and strengthen ACOA’s compliance with the Official Languages Act, while supporting OLMCs in Atlantic Canada. Performance against these commitments is also reflected in the Departmental Results Report, which reports on results related to diversity and inclusion, including support for OLMCs as part of ACOA’s broader GBA Plus commitments.

Question 13

These mechanisms enabled the institution to document its progress, confirm the relevance or effectiveness of the positive measures it had taken, adjust or improve them, or mitigate any potentially negative impacts.  (id# 52)

Hint: Refer to the instruction sheet. MANDATORY CLARIFICATION.

[X] Yes

[ ] No

Mandatory Clarification:

ACOA’s monitoring and evaluation mechanisms enable the Agency to track progress, assess the effectiveness of positive measures and adjust where required to improve outcomes for OLMCs.

Using GBA Plus analysis, ongoing program data collection and performance reporting linked to the Departmental Results Framework and Departmental Results Report, the Agency can identify trends in participation and outcomes for OLMC stakeholders and adjust programming approaches accordingly. The Official Languages Action Plan and its associated reporting through the Senior Official Languages Management Committee further support ongoing oversight and course correction where needed.

For example, performance data and stakeholder feedback have informed adjustments to outreach and engagement approaches in Atlantic Canada, including strengthening relationships with francophone partners and reinforcing early engagement with OLMCs during project development. This has helped improve awareness of funding opportunities and support more effective participation by OLMC clients in Agency programming.

Question 14

The institution has established evaluation and monitoring mechanisms related to the obligation to take measures to promote the inclusion of official language provisions during the negotiation of agreements with provincial and territorial governments.  (id# 53)

Hint: Refer to the instruction sheet. MANDATORY CLARIFICATION OR EVIDENCE, except if you select “No agreement was negotiated”.

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

[X] No agreement was negotiated

[ ] N/A

**No Mandatory Clarification/Evidence Required

Question 15

In developing a disposal strategy for a surplus federal real property or a federal immovable, the institution consulted the official language minority communities and other stakeholders to take into account the needs and priorities of the English or French linguistic minority communities of the province or territory where the federal real property or federal building in question is located.  (id# 54)

Hint: Refer to the instruction sheet. MANDATORY CLARIFICATION.

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

[X] N/A

**No Mandatory Clarification/Evidence Required

Question 16

Please provide one or two examples of best practices your institution has implemented as part of its commitments to advancing equality of the status and use of English and French (Part VII of the Official Languages Act).   (id# 55)

Mandatory Clarification:

Example 1 – Relationship-based engagement with OLMCs

ACOA has adopted a relationship-based approach to engagement with OLMCs across Atlantic Canada, emphasizing continuous interaction, collaboration and community presence beyond formal consultations.

In Nova Scotia, staff regularly participate in OLMC community events, including funding announcements, project launches, annual general meetings, networking events, learning sessions and community gatherings. These ongoing interactions have helped foster strong working relationships with organizations such as the RDÉE, Université Sainte-Anne, the CDÉNÉ, and the Municipality of the District of Clare. This sustained engagement allows ACOA to remain informed of evolving community priorities and has contributed to more responsive program delivery and funding decisions that reflect OLMC realities.

In Prince Edward Island, ACOA maintains a consistent in-person presence within the francophone community through regular engagement with organizations, provincial partners, and the Wellington Rural Action Centre. Staff engage with francophone stakeholders at least twice monthly to share information, support project development and improve access to programs and resources. This proactive outreach has contributed to an increase in French-language applications and helped maintain constructive working relationships with community organizations.

Across Atlantic Canada, quarterly dialogue sessions with the four RDÉEs provide an ongoing forum for collaboration and information sharing on regional economic development priorities affecting francophone communities. ACOA also participates in the Atlantic Official Languages Network, which supports continuous engagement with OLMCs and partners across the region.

This relationship-based engagement model is considered a best practice because it supports ongoing dialogue, strengthens trust with community partners, improves awareness of local priorities and barriers, and helps ensure official languages considerations are integrated into program delivery and decision-making.

Example 2 – Integrating Official Languages considerations into program delivery, innovation and economic development initiatives

ACOA has implemented practices that integrate official language considerations directly into program delivery, innovation, workforce development and regional economic development initiatives across Atlantic Canada.

In Nova Scotia, the Part VII, Section 41 Coordinator provides guidance to staff on active offer, bilingual service requirements and the inclusion of appropriate official language clauses in contribution agreements. Official language considerations are integrated into staff guidance, contribution agreements, and third-party service-delivery arrangements, helping ensure consistent application of official language obligations in day-to-day operations and project implementation.

In Prince Edward Island, OLMCs have access to the Community Capacity Fund, which supports the engagement of bilingual consultants and specialized expertise. Tourism Atlantic also launched its Tourism Investment Strategy with tools and resources available in both official languages through the Rendez-Vous platform, improving accessibility of information and services for francophone stakeholders.

In New Brunswick, projects led by Université de Moncton and CCNB INNOV support the delivery of applied research, advanced manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence and innovation programming in French. These initiatives strengthen access to technical knowledge and emerging technologies for francophone learners, workers, researchers and SMEs, while reinforcing the role of francophone institutions as hubs for economic development and applied innovation within OLMCs.

ACOA also supports regional development and workforce initiatives that strengthen economic vitality in francophone communities. For example, the Communauté régionale de Campbellton is developing a five-year tourism product and experience strategy grounded in community consultations and regional collaboration, supporting tourism development, cultural expression, and sustainable economic growth within the OLMC.

In addition, workforce retention initiatives supported through the New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour provide job readiness supports, networking opportunities, and bilingual online resources to international graduates, contributing to the retention of francophone and bilingual talent and supporting long-term labour force sustainability in the province.

ACOA also supports initiatives that help expand the international reach of francophone cultural and creative industries. For example, La Société Nationale de l’Acadie leads a project aimed at increasing exports of cultural products and services from Atlantic Canadian SMEs by supporting participation in international trade shows and reverse trade missions, with the objective of diversifying markets and strengthening the global presence of Acadian cultural industries.

In addition, ACOA supports initiatives that strengthen sustainability practices among francophone businesses. For example, a project delivered by the CÉNB supports Francophone Atlantic SMEs in developing and implementing sustainable development strategies, helping build expertise in environmentally responsible business practices within OLMC communities.

These initiatives are considered best practices because they integrate official language considerations directly into economic development programming and institutional operations. Success factors include sustained collaboration with community and institutional partners, delivery of services and programming in French, integration of official language requirements into project design, and long-term investments in institutional and regional capacity. These measures have improved access to services and innovation in French, strengthened institutional capacity within OLMCs, and supported inclusive economic growth across Atlantic Canada.