Ottawa Invests $72 Million to Boost French Language Education

The Canadian federal government will invest more than $72 million over four years to enhance French language education from pre-school through to post-secondary institutions. This funding aims to support the growth of francophone programs, which advocates believe is crucial for developing a bilingual and multilingual population.

During a media event on March 5, 2024, St. Boniface-St. Vital Member of Parliament Ginette Lavack and Manitoba’s Minister of Advanced Education and Training, René Cable, signed a bilateral agreement to formalize this funding. This initiative has been met with enthusiasm from various stakeholders in the education sector.

“It’s a good day whenever we see an announcement that government recognizes the value of French learning,” said Joel Martine, executive director of Canadian Parents for French — Manitoba. He expressed optimism, stating that the additional funding will facilitate the expansion of francophone programs across the province.

Martine highlighted the importance of bilingualism in the context of Canada’s evolving trade landscape. “As we look for new trading partners around the world, having a bilingual, multilingual population enhances our ability to grow and innovate,” he noted.

The funding will significantly benefit the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine, which serves approximately 6,500 students in 25 schools across Manitoba. Luc Bremault, assistant superintendent of the division, remarked that the investment would support their ongoing growth, which has averaged a 2 percent increase annually. “This funding will definitely help with expanding our programs,” he added.

In a statement, Lavack emphasized Manitoba’s commitment to its bilingual identity, rooted in its two official languages and the strength of its education sectors. Under the terms of the agreement, the provincial government is set to match the annual federal contribution of $18 million. However, a provincial spokesperson confirmed that Manitoba will increase its commitment to $30 million per year for the duration of the agreement.

Cable remarked on the significance of this investment, stating it recognizes Manitoba’s bilingualism and aligns with the vision established by Louis Riel. “By ensuring access to post-secondary programs in French, we will enable students to strengthen their cultural identity while preparing to become active bilingual citizens in their professional and personal lives,” she said.

Earlier this year, Ottawa announced a broader initiative, allocating $1.4 billion over four years for minority language education and second language instruction across provinces and territories. This funding comes at a time when interest in French immersion programs is surging nationwide. According to Statistics Canada, the number of French-language minority schools grew by 21.5 percent from 2005 to 2021, with student enrollment at the elementary and secondary levels increasing by 64 percent during the same period.

The federal government’s commitment to supporting French language education reflects an ongoing effort to uphold Canada’s bilingual heritage while preparing future generations for a diverse and interconnected world.