OTTAWA, ON – December 12, 2024 – Canadian Parents for French (CPF) is thrilled to announce renewed federal project funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage, supporting three transformative initiatives that promote French Second Language (FSL) instruction and strengthen Canada’s commitment to linguistic duality. The funding, confirmed by Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Centre, with support from the Hon. Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, underscores the Government of Canada’s ongoing dedication to bilingualism.
“We are incredibly grateful to Minister Ginette Petitpas-Taylor for recognizing the vital role that French Second Language instruction plays in uniting Canadians across linguistic and cultural lines,” said Nicole Thibault, CPF Network CEO. “This funding enables us to continue building bridges between linguistic communities, ensuring that future generations of Canadians are equipped to thrive in both official languages.”
The funding announcement includes a one year $100,000 contribution for the Linguistic Duality Network (LDN), a partnership with French for the Future and the Dialogue Network. This funding from the Promotion of Linguistic Duality Component of the Enhancement of Official Languages Program will foster deeper engagement and create new opportunities for exchanges between Canada’s linguistic communities, furthering the goal of a more inclusive, bilingual society.
In addition, CPF’s flagship Virtual French Tutoring initiative, created in response to the pandemic and currently connecting over 350 French-speaking volunteers with more than 500 students annually, will receive $210,000 over two years under the Second Language Learning Component of the Enhancement of Official Languages Program. This high-impact program provides one-on-one tutoring to students, helping them improve their French proficiency.
“Our Virtual French Tutoring program has truly been a lifeline for families across Canada, helping students connect with the French language in ways that are flexible, accessible, and impactful,” said Kate Ashley, National President of CPF. “This funding will allow us to support learners, helping them build the French language skills they need to succeed personally and professionally.”
Finally, CPF is proud to receive $663,100 in renewed funding for the French Footprints – French in the Early Years pilot project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting bilingual early childhood education across Canada. This funding, also from the Second Language Learning Component of the Enhancement of Official Languages Program, will allow CPF to continue delivering virtual training modules for English-speaking early years practitioners, equipping them with the tools to integrate French language learning into early learning practices. In addition, the project supports a website Hub with practical resources and virtual learning opportunities to help parents prepare their children for French Immersion Kindergarten.
For more than 45 years, CPF has been at the forefront of advocating for French Second Language instruction in Canada. These renewed investments from the Government of Canada further demonstrate a continued commitment to fostering bilingualism and ensuring that both official languages thrive across the country.
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Canadian Parents for French is a nationwide, research-informed, volunteer organization that promotes and creates opportunities to learn and use French for all those who call Canada home.
Download the press release here.
For more information:
Ahdithya Visweswaran
Director, Advocacy & Public Policy
613.235.1482 ext. 222
avisweswaran@cpf.ca