The federal government is allocating more than $113 million to British Columbia to support French language education in schools.
Ottawa said Monday the funding will help the province provide French language education from preschool to the post-secondary level over four years.
The announcement comes as the province and the federal government signed an updated bilateral agreement on minority-language education and second-language instruction, in effect through to 2028.
For decades, the province doled out federal funding for French language programs in schools under an agreement with the federal government.
The previous 2020-2023 agreement included about $48.3 million over three-years, with an additional $4.2 million specifically for minority language education. Though some of that funding was rolled over from 2019-2020 due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Bilingualism is at the heart of the Canadian identity and is a big source of pride from coast to coast to coast,” said Marc Miller, federal minister of Canadian identity and culture and minister responsible for official languages. “Collaboration between our two governments is important in supporting learning in French, as well as bolstering linguistic, cultural and economic vitality.”
“This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to providing students with access to high-quality French-language education in both minority language and French immersion settings,” said B.C.’s education and child care minister, Lisa Beare.
Statistics Canada data suggest demand for French Immersion programs is rising in Canada, with enrollment in the programs at the elementary and secondary level up 64 per cent between 2005 to 2021.
Enrolment in French-language minority schools also increased by more than 20 per cent during that period.
A report released in September by the group Canadian Parents for French said B.C.’s French Immersion programs are facing “significant challenges.”
It highlights a shortage of qualified French-speaking teachers and educational assistants, more students dropping out of the program before Grade 12, and inconsistent access to programs across districts.
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