N.B., federal governments announce $133M renewal into French education agreement

New Brunswick's provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa, Monday, July 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

New Brunswick and the federal governments have announced the renewal of a $113-million agreement on French first-language education and second-language instruction.

“Our linguistic communities are part of what makes New Brunswick so special,” said Premier Susan Holt. “They contribute to our culture, our economy and the very fabric of our province.”

The agreement will help the provincial government implement activities for education in French as a minority language and French as a second language, from preschool to post-secondary school.

“Living, studying and working in the language of one’s choice strengthens the vitality and sustainability of bilingualism in New Brunswick. Through this agreement, our post-secondary institutions are successfully playing a vital role in equipping our student population with the knowledge and language skills necessary to make a smooth transition into the New Brunswick job market,” said Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours, who is also minister of Post-Secondary Education and Training.

The agreement between the two governments on French First-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction has been in place for more than 50 years. The newest agreement will cover four years.

“Bilingualism is at the heart of Canadian identity and a great source of pride from coast to coast to coast, which makes me especially delighted to announce that our government has reached an important agreement with New Brunswick to promote bilingualism in the province’s schools and post-secondary institutions,” said Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault. “The co-operation between our two governments is important to support French learning and strengthen linguistic, cultural and economic vitality.”

According to a 2021 census, 37.3 per cent of anglophone sector students aged five to 17 were enrolled in French immersion programs. The data also showed nearly 60 per cent of people aged 25 to 54 who participated in an immersion program in New Brunswick are bilingual.

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