The provincial and federal governments have announced the renewal of a $133-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. Thanks to this renewed agreement, we are preparing our young people to seize opportunities and succeed in both official languages."
This agreement helps the provincial government implement activities that provide quality education in French as a minority language and French as a second language, from preschool to post-secondary education.
It also provides funding for post-secondary institutions to support their strategic initiatives. Counterpart funding by provincial departments and post-secondary institutions represents an investment of $368 million.
"The government of New Brunswick is committed to investing in the priorities of the people of the province, and education is a priority sector," said Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean-Claude D'Amours, who is also minister of post-secondary education and training. "By investing in education, we are laying the foundation for a better future throughout New Brunswick, and we are proud of this collaboration between our two levels of government. 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."
The Canada-New Brunswick Agreement on French First-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction has been in place for over 50 years. The latest agreement covers four years, through 2027-28.
"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."
"New Brunswick is proud of its heritage of two official languages and two distinct education sectors," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. "This agreement allows us to continue strengthening minority-language education and the teaching of French as a second language, from early childhood through high school graduation. This investment will help provide learners across the province with more opportunities to learn, thrive and celebrate the richness of the francophone language and culture."
According to data from the 2021 census, 37.3 per cent of anglophone sector students aged five to 17 were enrolled in French immersion programs. Nearly 60 per cent of people aged 25 to 54 who participated in an immersion program in New Brunswick are bilingual.
