Strengthening economic opportunities in official language minority communities in Nova Scotia
News release
Investing in local organizations and businesses is driving economic growth in official language minority communities
March 20, 2026 · Pointe-de-l’Église, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Bilingualism is at the heart of Canadian identity and a great source of pride from coast to coast to coast. Official language minority communities (OLMCs) contribute significantly to the economic vitality of Canada. Acadian and francophone businesses, entrepreneurs and local organizations help create jobs, strengthen local economies and generate new opportunities.
That is why, on the International Day of La Francophonie, the Government of Canada is recognizing these contributions and reaffirming its commitment to supporting the continued economic development of the Acadian and Francophone community in Atlantic Canada.
Today, Chris d’Entremont, Member of Parliament for Acadie—Annapolis, announced a federal investment of $708,900 to support le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ). The funding will help the Francophone economic development organization strengthen its capacity, expand economic opportunities and contribute to the continued growth of the communities it serves.
Through this investment, CDÉNÉ will provide businesses with practical, hands-on services including business planning, mentorship, training, and guidance on adopting new tools such as AI, all tailored to meet the needs of business owners in Nova Scotia’s official language minority communities. This support will help strengthen their operations, enhance their competitiveness, and create new opportunities for long-term growth and stability.
Canada’s linguistic duality is a defining part of our national identity. By supporting projects that help businesses and organizations grow and thrive, the Government of Canada is helping strengthen the vitality and long-term economic development of official language minority communities.
The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Quotes
“On the International Day of La Francophonie, we celebrate the important contribution that the Acadian and Francophone community makes to the economic and cultural vitality of Atlantic Canada. Through these investments, we are supporting businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations that help strengthen official language minority communities and create new economic opportunities across our region.’’
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“We recognize the International Day of La Francophonie as an opportunity to highlight the important role Acadian and Francophone entrepreneurs play in the economic and social life of Nova Scotia. This investment will help local businesses and organizations continue to grow, strengthen our regional economy and create new opportunities for people in our communities, while recognizing the importance of Acadian and Francophone identity.’’
- Chris d’Entremont Member of Parliament for Acadie—Annapolis
“This continued investment from ACOA provides CDÉNÉ the means to deepen its impact as the provincial catalyst for economic development in Nova Scotia’s Acadian and Francophone communities. This funding will further enhance CDÉNÉ’s capacity to deliver mentorship, business planning, and tools, particularly through the integration of new technologies, contributing to the advancement of sustainable economic opportunities in the communities that we serve. With ACOA’s support, we can continue to help businesses grow, encourage innovation, and contribute to vibrant and prosperous communities.”
- Kenneth Deveau, President, Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse
Quick facts
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Official language minority communities (OLMCs) are groups of people whose preferred official language is not the language of majority in their province or territory.
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Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ) is the only provincial Francophone economic development organization in Nova Scotia.
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CDÉNÉ delivers services to a growing number of official language minority communities in Nova Scotia through its current offices in Clare (Baie Sainte-Marie), Argyle (Par-en-Bas), the Halifax region, Isle Madame and Chéticamp.
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The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund.
Associated links
Contacts
Lola Dandybaeva
Manager of Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
lola.dandybaeva@justice.gc.ca
Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Béatrice Boudet
Manager of Communications
Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse
902-424-7371
bboudet@cdene.ns.ca
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