Nova Scotia will reinforce its Gaelic links with Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland its Office for Gaelic Affairs has told the Celtic League.
In a reply (see below) to correspondence from Rhisiart Tal-e-bot Celtic League General Secretary Office of Gaelic affairs CEO Lewis Mackinnon outlines initiatives "pertaining to the development of Gaelic language and culture and to the development of the Celtic languages and cultures in general."
The Celtic League which has had links with Nova Scotia over several decades wrote earlier this year to welcome the appointment of a permanent Gaelic Language Officer at the Office of Gaelic Affairs in Nova Scotia.
"Nova Scotia Alba Nuadh Office of Gaelic Affairs
Dear Rhisiart
Sincere thanks for the kind letter you sent and the good wishes extended, on behalf of your organisation, Celtic League. This development is important for our Province as the Government of Nova Scotia is demonstrating that it recognises and values the language and culture of Gaels who settled in this area of the country long ago.
There are many things happening throughout the Province that are directly linked to Gaelic.
As a results of a policy developed by the Department of Transport and Public Work, in the Province's seven eastern districts, local governments can pass a resolution to have bilingual English - Gaelic boundary signs erected. At this time, 5 local governments have passed this legislation.
As you cited there are organisations throughout Cape Breton, Antigonish and Pictou Countries and the Halifax Regional Municipality where adults are involved in Gaelic immersion sessions.
In addition, the Nova Scotia Department of Education committed $200 000 for additional Gaelic instruction in the Province's public schools.
The Office of Gaelic Affairs will be coming out with an Official Website shortly and will continue to foster the ties that exist between Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Office of Gaelic Affairs is extremely fortunate and appreciates the support it receives from Provincial Government Partners for many projects and initiatives that relate to Gaelic development.
Again sincere thanks for your interest you and your organisation are taking in our work.
The Office of Gaelic Affairs hopes we can continue discussions pertaining to the development of Gaelic language and culture and to the development of the Celtic languages and cultures in general.
Every good wish
Lewis Mackinnon CEO
Cc
The Honourable Angus MacIsaac, Minister Gaelic Affairs and Department of Transport and Public Works David Darrow, Deputy Minister, Department of Transport and Public Works The Honourable Rodney MacDonald, Premier The Honourable Len Goucher, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage The Honourable Karen Casey, Minister of Department of Education Dennis Cochrane, Deputy Minister, Department of Education The Honourable Richard Hurlburt, Minister, Department of Economic Development Paul taylor, Deputy Minister, Department of Economic Development"
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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
09/08/07
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