Dartmouth (Nova Scotia), May 13^th, 2025 – The Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FANE) warmly welcomes the appointment of the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab as Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. FANE also celebrates the appointment of the Honourable Sean Fraser as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, as well as Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. In addition, FANE is encouraged to see that the new federal Cabinet includes a Minister responsible for Official Languages, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault.

Lena Metlege Diab has longstanding ties with the Acadian and Francophone community of Nova Scotia. She has previously served as Nova Scotia’s Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie, and as Minister of Immigration and Population Growth—roles through which she demonstrated her strong commitment to linguistic duality and the vitality of official language minority communities.

Sean Fraser brings significant experience in federal government, having previously held the portfolios of Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, as well as Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. His return to key ministerial responsibilities, including justice and economic development in Atlantic Canada, is a positive signal for all Nova Scotians including the Acadian and Francophone communities.

FANE is also pleased to see that the issue of official languages continues to have a dedicated place within the federal Cabinet, now under the responsibility of Steven Guilbeault. Recognition of the importance of official languages is vital for the sustainable development of Francophone minority communities across the country.

“Ms. Metlege Diab has always been attentive to the needs of Nova Scotia’s Acadian and Francophone community. She is an important ally in supporting the development of our community,” said Denise Comeau-Desautels, President of FANE. “We also welcome the appointment of Sean Fraser to Cabinet, and the naming of Steven Guilbeault as Minister of Official Languages.”

The Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse is ready to collaborate with these ministers to advance key issues for the Acadian community.