QUESTION PERIOD — Canadian Heritage
Services for Linguistic Minority Communities
November 26, 2025
Senator Moreau, the Community Action Program for Children, or CAPC, is a federal program with an annual budget of $54 million that provides essential support to vulnerable children across the country. It funds 380 projects serving over 191,000 children and parents every year.
However, a very specific situation is causing concern in Nova Scotia, which is home to an Acadian and francophone community. The issue is that no francophone organization has managed to access this program in 30 years. The Public Health Agency of Canada refuses to send the Centre d’appui à la petite enfance de la Nouvelle-Écosse an application form, citing an administrative requirement that has gone unchanged since the program was launched. Despite the decision rendered in 2013, this situation persists.
What is the federal government doing to correct this situation?
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to highlight the fiftieth anniversary of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada. It’s a good time to ask that question. You were kind enough to bring it to my attention, and you were right to mention how important the Community Action Program for Children is. The federal government agrees, which is why it has continued funding it for the last 30 years.
On the specific question related to Nova Scotia, I tried to get information on this particular case. Unfortunately, I haven’t received any yet.
I would like to reiterate the importance I place on the French language. I talked about this in my maiden speech here in the Senate. I will definitely look into this and get back to you with the information. It’s hard to understand why it would be impossible for existing federal funds to go toward a given province. I will certainly convey your concern and get back to you on this, Senator Aucoin.
Given that the government recognizes the importance of the Community Action Program for Children, could it clarify what concrete measures will be implemented and within what time frame? You answered part of my question, but I would like to hear your thoughts on this.
I fully share your concern over the fact that an available federal program is not reaching one of Canada’s provinces. I’ll get that information. Whether the reason is valid or not, I can assure you that I’ll get back to you with that information.
