HALIFAX, Thursday, August 8, 2024

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of Canada’s linguistic wealth and is committed to helping ensure that all Canadians can thrive in the official language of their choice.

Today, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, announced $227.9-million investment over five years to support the health of services offered in official language minority communities. The investment was made through bilateral agreements with provincial and territorial governments.

It covers a number of key areas including health care, judicial services, newcomer integration and other essential services. French-language services provided by government departments and agencies are critical in promoting bilingualism and the equality of status of both official languages. Bilateral agreements have recently been signed with Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.

This collaborative approach reinforces the crucial role that provincial and territorial governments play as essential partners in helping develop fulfilling living environments in minority communities.

This investment reaffirms the federal government’s commitment to working with the provinces and territories to ensure that official language minority communities can receive the services they need in their official language.