Nova Scotia’s Acadian Affairs critic wants more representation for francophone families in the province’s childcare plan.
Liberal MLA Ronnie LeBlanc, who represents the Acadian riding of Clare says French language isn’t a priority in the plan.
“It’s critical that they be at the table to be able to bring concerns, and help shape what childcare in Nova Scotia will look like,” says LeBlanc.
CAPENÉ, a centre of excellence for francophone early childhood education in the province, requested to have a separate organization overseeing French first language centres, but say their plan was denied.
“It would be a model of how childcare centres are governed, especially in French.”
The Department of Education says there has been no decision on the plan and they are still in the engagement process.
they add they’ve reached out to CAPENÉ for continuing discussions and welcome their input.
LeBlanc says it’s also concerning the province’s 21 member advisory panel for the rollout of the plan doesn’t have francophone representation.
The Department of Education says there is Acadian Francophonie representation on the advisory panel. They say two members self identify as Acadian Francophonie.
LeBlanc says government has an obligation to make sure Acadian and Francophone children are part of the plan.
The Houston government is overlooking the needs of Acadian and Francophone families in its universal childcare rollout.
Le gouvernement de Houston néglige les besoins des familles acadiennes et francophones dans son projet de garderie universelle. pic.twitter.com/SirBl0Eku1
— Nova Scotia Liberal Party (@LiberalPartyNS) May 27, 2022
