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 Nova Scotians, as it strengthens their linguistic and cultural vitality, promotes bilingualism, and ensures the sustainability of French in Nova Scotia.
Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament (Halifax West), reiterated the Government of Canada's commitment to Acadian and Francophone communities by announcing the signing of the Canada-Nova Scotia Agreement on Minority-Language Education and Second Official-Language Instruction 2024-25 to 2027-28. She made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.
The 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-Nova Scotia Agreement, an investment of more than $48 million has been made in Nova Scotia. 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. An investment by the Government of Nova Scotia is also planned to support the aims of the Agreement.
Bilateral agreements on minority-language education and second-language instruction have been in place with the Government of Nova Scotia 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.
