Office of Gaelic Affairs and Acting CEO Position Announced

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An Office of Gaelic Affairs will be established in Antigonish to develop and promote Gaelic language and culture in Nova Scotia.

Angus MacIsaac, Minister responsible for Gaelic Affairs also announced, today, Dec. 7, the appointment of Lewis MacKinnon as acting CEO of the new office.

The office's mission will be to work with the Gaelic and other communities. It will offer advice and support to departments, agencies and Crown corporations to develop policies and services that reflect the needs of the Gaelic community.

The Office of Gaelic Affairs supports the mission of Comhairle na Gàidhlig or the Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia: to create the environment that makes Nova Scotia a place where Gaelic language and culture thrive.

Or, in Gaelic: Àrainneachd a chur air bhonn an Albainn Nuaidh far an soirbhich a' Ghàidhlig agus a dualchas.

Mr. MacIsaac said, "The continuation of Gaelic language and its culture in the province presents some very clear challenges.

"By working together, identifying opportunities and building upon the language and culture that is still present in the province today, I am confident that these challenges can be met so that the mission of the Gaelic community can be realized."

Mr. MacIsaac acknowledged the efforts of members of the Gaelic community, those who have advocated establishing the office.

Mr. MacIsaac said Premier Rodney MacDonald responded to the community's efforts by creating the first Ministry for Gaelic Initiatives in the province, paving the way for the creation of an Office for Gaelic Affairs.

Mr. MacIsaac said Mr. MacKinnon was chosen as acting CEO for the office because of his fluency in Gaelic, his experience in working on team projects and his strong communication skills.

Born in Inverness, Cape Breton and raised in Antigonish County, Mr. MacKinnon has a background in business and has worked on Gaelic initiatives in the province for many years.

He is also a Gaelic singer and recording artist.

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FOR BROADCAST USE:

     An Office of Gaelic Affairs was opened today (December 7th)

in Antigonish.

     The mission of the office is to develop and promote Gaelic

culture and language.

     Minister responsible for Gaelic Affairs Angus MacIsaac says

he is confident the challenges can be met.

     The acting C-E-O of the office is Lewis MacKinnon, a native

of Inverness, who is fluent in Gaelic and has worked on Gaelic

initiatives in the province for many years.

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Media Contact: Dan Davis
              Transportation and Public Works
              902-424-8978
              E-mail: davisds@gov.ns.ca

              Lewis MacKinnon
              Gaelic Initiatives
              902-424-4298
              Cell: 902-483-6508
              E-mail: mackinle@gov.ns.ca

              Vicki Fraser
              Tourism, Culture and Heritage
              902-424-7608
              E-mail: fraserv@gov.ns.ca