Alberta signed an extension to an agreement providing funding for French Language Services.
The Canada-Alberta Agreement on French Language Services runs from 2018-20.
So far, it provided $650,000 in federal funds grouping with investments by the province to develop and deliver government services for French-speaking Albertans.
The agreement would remain in effect until March 31, 2020.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Francophonie and Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLA Laila Goodridge says French is the second-most spoken language in the province.
“This [agreement] is a reflection of our province’s francophone roots, the popularity of French education programs and because our province is a destination of choice for many French-speaking newcomers. The Francophonie in Alberta is thriving and contributes to the province’s diversity and energy.”
Funds would support new and existing government services in French in Alberta.
Leela Sharon Aheer is the Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women and Minister responsible for the Francophone Secretariat.
She said the agreement is critical to ensure the life of Alberta’s French Policy in government services.
“As our province has the fastest-growing francophone population outside Québec, we will renew our efforts to ensure that future funding agreements are, at a minimum, on par with other provinces.”
Negotiations with the new federal government about further funding are due to begin after they’re sworn into office.
