Federal Government Invests $72M to Enhance French Education in Manitoba

The Government of Canada has committed over $72 million over the next four years to bolster French language education in Manitoba, supporting programs from pre-school to post-secondary institutions. This funding is part of a bilateral agreement signed on March 12, 2024, by Ginette Lavack, Member of Parliament for St. Boniface-St. Vital, and Renée Cable, the provincial Minister of Advanced Education and Training.

During a media event announcing the funding, Lavack emphasized the government’s recognition of the importance of French education in Manitoba. “It’s a good day whenever we see an announcement that government sees the value of French learning,” stated Joel Martine, Executive Director of Canadian Parents for French – Manitoba. He expressed optimism that this investment will foster growth in francophone programs across the province.

The funding arrives at a pivotal moment for Canada, which is expanding its trading relationships globally. Martine noted that a bilingual and multilingual population enhances the country’s capacity to innovate and establish new trade partnerships.

Luc Bremault, Assistant Superintendent of the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine, highlighted the positive impact this funding will have on their 6,500 students enrolled in 25 schools across the province, including nine in Winnipeg. “For a francophone school division in Manitoba, we are always looking to expand,” Bremault said, adding that the funding would support their ongoing growth, which has seen an annual increase of approximately 2%.

In a statement, Lavack praised Manitoba’s commitment to its bilingual heritage, which also reflects the vision established by Louis Riel. Under the terms of the agreement, the province is expected to match the federal contribution of $18 million each year. However, a provincial spokesperson confirmed that Manitoba will increase its annual investment to $30 million over the next four years.

Cable remarked that the investment in French language education not only acknowledges Manitoba’s bilingualism but also aims to prepare students for their future roles as active bilingual citizens. This funding aligns with a broader initiative announced earlier this year, where Ottawa allocated $1.4 billion over four years for minority language education and second language instruction across provinces and territories.

The demand for French immersion programs continues to rise in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, the number of French-language minority schools increased by 21.5% between 2005 and 2021, while enrollment in elementary and secondary French programs surged by 64%.

This substantial investment in French language education not only reinforces the significance of cultural identity but also prepares students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world. As Manitoba continues to embrace its bilingual identity, this funding will play a crucial role in the future of French education in the province.