QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Health
Community Action Program for Children
March 25, 2026
Good afternoon, minister. For more than 32 years, Acadian and francophone children in Nova Scotia have been effectively excluded from the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Community Action Program for Children, or CAPC. This raises serious concerns.
Your office recently announced the launch of a new program this year. Can you tell us whether this new program will finally guarantee equitable ongoing funding for organizations such as the Centre d’appui à la petite enfance de la Nouvelle-Écosse, in order to adequately support Acadian and francophone early childhood programs? Also, when will the program be rolled out?
Thank you for your question, senator. First of all, you should know that I am francophone and I am very sensitive to the situation of Acadian children. You always have a strong voice at the table defending francophone communities outside Quebec. The program will be implemented, but I don’t know exactly when. I’ll have to get back to you with more details on that.
Thank you, minister. What concrete measures does your government intend to implement to recognize and make up for the 32 years of injustice suffered by these communities, particularly in terms of access to services and funding? Can they expect to receive compensation for this injustice?
Thank you, senator, for the question. Honestly, I don’t know how to answer you. I follow the government’s lead. I think that what we need to look at is how we can move forward. I understand that there were many years where we did not do enough, but the important thing is to look at how we can do better going forward. I’ll ask my office to send you more details on that. I would say that we need to look for ways to stop working in silos, such as working together with Employment and Social Development Canada from the same perspective, for example.
