Premier Ghiz, Minister responsible for Acadian and Francophone Affairs, welcomes Colleen Soltermann of Cornwall as the new Chair of the Acadian Communities Advisory Committee (ACAC).

Colleen Soltermann was first appointed to the committee in December 2009 and was recently elevated to the position of Chair. She replaces Jeannita Bernard whose non-renewable term ended in March 2010.

“Ms. Soltermann is a respected leader in the Acadian and Francophone community. She has chaired many non-profit sector organizations at the provincial and national levels. I look forward to working with her and drawing from her well-informed leadership,” said Premier Ghiz.

Currently employed with Veterans Affairs Canada, Ms. Soltermann is Past President of La Commission nationale des parents francophones, La Fédération des parents de l’Î.-P.-É., La finale régionale des Jeux de l’Acadie, and has served on the board of directors of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadiennes du Canada, the national spokesgroup representing Acadians and Francophones across the country.

The ACAC is government’s advisory body in matters relating to the Acadian and Francophone community. It has been in place since 1977.