Prime Highlights:
The Government of Canada has ratified a new Protocol for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction for 2024-2028.
The federal government is investing more than $1.4 billion to support minority-language education and second-language instruction.
Key Background:
On February 17, the Honourable Rachel Bendayan, Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety, announced the ratification of a new Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction, which will be in effect from 2024 to 2028. This agreement represents a significant step toward supporting Canada’s bilingual status and ensuring equal educational opportunities for minority-language communities.
As part of this collaboration, the federal government is committing over $1.4 billion to bolster minority-language education and second-language instruction across the country. The funds will be allocated in several key areas: $707.2 million for minority-language education, $578.4 million for second-language instruction, $104 million for post-secondary education in the minority language, and $51 million to recruit and retain teachers for French-language schools and immersion programs.
The funding will also support the recruitment and retention of qualified teachers in French-language minority schools and French immersion programs, addressing a long-standing need in these communities. The overall investment aims to strengthen Canada’s official-language minority communities and make second-language education more accessible to all Canadians.
This new Protocol is the result of extensive collaboration between the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments. It is designed to support the priorities expressed by stakeholders in the field of minority-language education and advance the principles outlined in An Act for the Substantive Equality of Canada’s Official Languages. The Protocol ensures that English- and French-speaking minority communities have continued access to quality education in their official language throughout their lives. Canadian Heritage is already in the process of negotiating bilateral agreements with provincial and territorial governments to implement the Protocol, marking an important milestone in the ongoing commitment to Canada’s bilingual future. This investment reflects the Government of Canada’s dedication to fostering equal opportunities and promoting linguistic diversity across the nation.
