Church Point (NS), October 29, 2026 — Université Sainte-Anne today launched the research report A Re-evaluation of the Utilization of French-Language Government Services (Une réévaluation de l’utilisation des services gouvernementaux en français), a study conducted by Professor Roger Gervais in collaboration with Sandrine Pagé. Carried out in partnership with the Office of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie (OAAF) and the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FANE), this research updates our understanding of the use of French-language government services and documents how linguistic realities in Nova Scotia have evolved since the landmark study conducted by Deveau, Landry and Allard in 2009.
For this study, the research team surveyed 1,063 people from Acadian and francophone communities across Nova Scotia. The questionnaire examined, among other topics, their language practices, sense of belonging, community engagement, and experiences with French-language government services.
The findings confirm the importance of active offer in encouraging the use of French-language services. Measures such as signage announcing the availability of services in French, bilingual signage, the identification of bilingual staff, and greetings in both official languages are among the approaches most likely to encourage people to request services in French. The study also highlights that visible access to services remains more important to users than the variety of French spoken or the accent of the person providing the service. These findings underscore that the visibility of the offer is a key factor in people's decision to request services in French.
“The message remains clear: when services in French are actively offered, people are much more likely to use them. This research not only confirms the relevance of the efforts made to date, but also provides concrete ways to improve access to French-language government services throughout Nova Scotia.”
— Roger Gervais, Professor in the Département des sciences humaines and lead author of the report
“As the principal researcher of the benchmark study published in 2009, I recognize how important it is to continue this work to better understand the evolution of linguistic realities and the factors that influence the use of French-language services. This new study also demonstrates Université Sainte-Anne’s role in producing knowledge that informs decision-making and supports improvements to services for the benefit of Nova Scotians.”
— Kenneth Deveau, President and Vice-Chancellor of Université Sainte-Anne
“The Province has made important progress on French-language services, but there is more to do. By listening to Acadian and francophone Nova Scotians, drawing on research and collaborating with our partners, we can design and deliver services in French that work for the people who rely on them."
— The Honourable Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie
“For Acadians, francophones of all backgrounds, and others who speak French or wish to use it to be able to access services in that language, the option must be clearly advertised and actively offered. This study reminds us that concrete measures, such as greeting people in both official languages or visibly indicating the availability of services in French, can encourage people to request these services. These findings are valuable as we continue our efforts to better meet the needs of our communities.”
— Denise Comeau Desautels, President of the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse
By documenting changes in the use of French-language government services and identifying the factors that encourage their use, this study provides decision-makers and communities with data that can inform public policy and administrative practices. It demonstrates Université Sainte-Anne’s contribution to research on Nova Scotia’s linguistic realities and on the needs of people who wish to access government services in French.
The full report (in French) is available here.
About Université Sainte-Anne
Université Sainte-Anne, the only French language post-secondary institution in Nova Scotia, offers university and college-level courses as well as a French immersion program and customized training in French as a second language. Recognized for its excellent programs as well as its unique and exceptional living environment, Sainte-Anne offers experiential learning opportunities that promote student engagement and success, and an atmosphere which encourages a culture of excellence in research and development. Solidly established in its community, Université Sainte-Anne is a partner of choice for all those who wish to strengthen the vitality of the regions surrounding its 5 campuses as well as all of Acadie throughout Nova Scotia.
For more information
Gilles Saulnier, Officer for research communications and graduate studies
Université Sainte-Anne
Phone: 902-260-5141
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