Investing in local organizations and businesses is driving economic growth in official language minority communities
Bilingualism is at the heart of Canadian identity and a great source of pride from coast to coast to coast. Official language minority communities (OLMCs) contribute significantly to the economic vitality of Canada. Acadian and francophone businesses, entrepreneurs and local organizations help create jobs, strengthen local economies and generate new opportunities.
That is why, on the International Day of La Francophonie, the Government of Canada is recognizing these contributions and reaffirming its commitment to supporting the continued economic development of the Acadian and Francophone community in Atlantic Canada.
Today, Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, announced a federal investment of nearly $400,000 to support three projects in Prince Edward Island. The funding will help the following organizations strengthen their capacity, improve productivity, expand economic opportunities and contribute to the continued growth of their communities:
- RDÉE Î.-P.-É. will support training and summer employment over two years through PERCÉ (Programme d'entrepreneuriat régional, communautaire et économique), providing francophone youth with work experience opportunities in their field of study on PEI. ($277,164)
- RDÉE Î.-P.-É. will deliver a pitch competition for francophone and bilingual entrepreneurs, provide professional mentorship, and host the 2026 Acadian Entrepreneurs' Gala. ($34,135)
- La Société acadienne et francophone de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard will develop and deliver shared human resource tools that will support its not-for-profit Acadian and Francophone members with employee onboarding, pay processing, information sharing, and website development. ($79,116)
Canada's linguistic duality is a defining part of our national identity. By supporting projects that help businesses and organizations grow and thrive, the Government of Canada is helping strengthen the vitality and long-term economic development of official language minority communities.
The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
