Senator Moreau, the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages just began a study on the responsibilities of federal institutions in the arts, culture and heritage sector.

I would remind senators that this sector is recognized as a priority in the modernized Official Languages Act. It generated $65 billion in spinoffs in Canada in 2024, and it helps to ensure our country’s cultural and economic sovereignty.

A witness told the committee that the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028 is an essential lever for the arts and culture sector in francophone minority communities and, I would even go so far as to say, for several sectors that support the development of official language minority communities. However, the lack of guarantees regarding funding for this plan after 2028 is causing serious concerns.

Is the $4.1 billion in funding to support official languages for the current period from 2023 to 2028 still guaranteed?

Can you give us any indication of how this plan will be financed after 2028?

Thank you, Senator Cormier. You may recall that in my first speech in the House, I talked about how important the issue of the French language is to me. I truly appreciate the question.

Through the latest action plan, the government has made the largest ever investment in official language minority communities. As you mentioned, this investment amounts to $4.1 billion that directly contributes to protecting and promoting French and ensuring the vitality of official language minority communities. I know that this issue is also near and dear to the Speaker of the Senate’s heart. That amount includes $304 million paid directly to community organizations and a 12.5% increase in the funding provided to over 300 groups working to promote official languages.

By April 2025, more than $800 million had been invested and all 82 initiatives in the five-year strategy were already in place.

There are two years left in this action plan. My question was whether the funding is guaranteed for these final two years.

On a slightly different note, Part VII of the Official Languages Act requires regulations to be made. The modernized Official Languages Act was passed 29 months ago, and we are still waiting for the regulatory framework that will clarify the obligations of federal institutions in this area. The regulations urgently need to be studied. When will the draft regulations —

As you know, Senator Cormier, the tabling of regulations is subject to parliamentary privilege. Unfortunately, I can’t speculate on the government’s legislative plans. However, I’m confident that the government has already begun taking steps to publish regulations and, like you, I hope they will be tabled as soon as possible.

Regarding the first part of your supplementary question, I’m confident that the funds have been committed for the next two years.