Saskatchewan, Northern Territories sign deal on minority-language education 

ShaziaLocal News

OTTAWA – Our two official languages are at the heart of Canadian identity. They make us unique, unite us and enrich our culture from coast to coast to coast. Promoting and protecting them starts with education. Investing in minority-language education and second official-language instruction is essential for the Fransaskois community, as it strengthens linguistic and cultural vitality, fosters bilingualism, and ensures the long-term sustainability of French in Saskatchewan.

Rachel Bendayan, Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety, announced the signing of the Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement on minority‑language education and second official‑language instruction 2024–2025 to 2027–2028. This bilateral agreement stems from the Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction 2024–2025 to 2027–2028 announced on February 17.

Under the Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement, an investment of more than $43 million is being provided to the Fransaskois community. This funding will help the province offer quality education in French as a minority language and French as a second language, from preschool to the post-secondary level. The Government of Saskatchewan will invest an equivalent amount of $43 million to support the objectives of the Agreement.

Bilateral agreements on minority‑language education and second official‑language instruction with the Government of Saskatchewan have been in place for more than 50 years. They support the province in implementing activities aimed at teaching French in a minority context and learning the second official language.

Rachel Bendayan, Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety, announced the signing of the Canada-Northwest Territories Agreement on minority‑language education and second official‑language instruction 2024–2025 to 2027–2028. This bilateral agreement stems from the Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction 2024–2025 to 2027–2028 announced on February 17.

Under the Canada-Northwest Territories Agreement, the Northwest Territories is receiving a federal investment of over $15.4 million over four years to help it offer quality education in French as a minority language and French as a second language, from preschool to the post-secondary level. The Government of the Northwest Territories will invest more than $20.4 million over four years to support the objectives of the Agreement.

Bilateral agreements on minority‑language education and second official‑language instruction with the Government of the Northwest Territories have been in place for more than 50 years. They support the governments in implementing activities aimed at teaching French in a minority context and learning the second official language.