It is time to act! 3 4 Report of the Committee responsible for enhancing the role of Acadian Affairs ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Committee wishes to thank the organizations and stakeholders in the regions who kindly distributed invitations to participate in the consultations. [...] The staff at Acadian Affairs also deserve thanks for handling the logistics of the consultation meetings as well as for the transfer of knowledge of the inner workings of the machinery of government and the historic evolution of Acadian Affairs. [...] According to the Minister, “Government wants to ensure that it is in the best position to help Acadian and francophone communities continue to grow and thrive, in both rural and urban areas.” The Committee’s mandate was to examine the role of Acadian Affairs with respect to the implementation of the French-language Services Act, with an emphasis on client services and community development. [...] In 2004, the Government of Nova Scotia, wishing to make the role and duties of the Minister responsible for Acadian Affairs official, passed An Act Respecting the Office of Acadian Affairs and the Delivery of French-language Services by the Public Service (the Act). [...] The purpose of the 2004 Act was to: (a) contribute to the preservation and growth of the Acadian and francophone community; and (b) provide for the delivery of French-language services by designated departments, offices, agencies of Government, Crown corporations and public institutions to the Acadian and francophone community.