QUESTION PERIOD — Canadian Heritage
Francophone Minority Communities
April 29, 2026
Senator Moreau, child care services provide an educational foundation that is key to the vitality and survival of francophone communities, especially francophone minority communities. Some 93% of children who attend a French-language daycare go on to attend a French-language elementary school.
However, in 2021 and 2022, only 35% of children outside Quebec who were eligible for French-language instruction attended a French-language daycare. That is cause for great concern.
What is more, the Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act, which received Royal Assent in 2024, indicates that federal investments subject to an agreement entered into with a province must be guided by the commitments set out in the Official Languages Act.
In practical terms, what does the government intend to do to ensure respect for language rights and the vitality of francophone communities —
Thank you, Senator Aucoin.
I heard the beginning of your question, Senator Aucoin, and I agree that this is an important file. I know that the Speaker is very invested in the future of francophone minority communities in Canada. I thank you for the question.
The government has invested $4.1 billion, which will play a direct role in protecting and promoting French and the vitality of official language minority communities. The government has also recently ratified new bilateral agreements with Alberta and British Columbia, which include investments of $100 million and $113 million respectively for French education in minority communities. The government wants to continue to protect access to daycares and affordable early childhood education in both official languages with a historic investment of $57 billion to provide child care spaces for over 900,000 children.
Thank you for your answer, Senator Moreau. I have no further questions.
