Our two official languages are at the heart of Canadian identity. They make us unique, unite us, and enrich our culture and economy from coast to coast to coast. Promoting and protecting them starts with education. Supporting minority-language education and second official-language instruction is essential for Albertans, as it strengthens their linguistic and cultural vitality, promotes bilingualism, and ensures the sustainability of French in Alberta.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, is reaffirming the Government of Canada's commitment to Canada's Francophone communities by announcing the signing of the Canada-Alberta Agreement on Minority Language Education and Second Language Instruction 2024-2025 to 2027-2028.
This bilateral agreement stems from the Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction between the Government of Canada and the Provinces and Territories - 2024-2025 to 2027-2028.
Under the Canada-Alberta Agreement, an investment of nearly $100 million has been made in Alberta. This funding will help the province offer quality French as a minority language and French as a second language education, from preschool to the post-secondary level. Alberta school authorities and post-secondary institutions match or exceed the investment with funding provided by the Alberta government.
Bilateral agreements on minority‑language education and second‑language instruction have been in place with the Government of Alberta for more than 50 years. They support the province in delivering activities aimed at teaching French in a minority situation and learning a second official language.
