QUESTION PERIOD — Canadian Heritage
Francophone Minority Communities
June 4, 2026
Senator Moreau, francophone minority communities are facing major challenges as the demographic weight of French continues to decline in Canada. These communities were expecting real action. The Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada, parliamentarians and even the Commissioner of Official Languages have expressed their disappointment and concern regarding a regulation proposed by your government.
Why does the government continue to offer hollow gestures and empty promises, while these communities are still waiting for the tangible results they were promised?
Thank you for the question.
Quite frankly, Senator Housakos, I believe that the Prime Minister’s commitment to the francophonie is clear. We see it in the make-up of cabinet and in the commitments this government has made regarding the French language. I have had the opportunity to answer several questions about French and official languages in Canada.
The government has made an investment of $4.1 billion that will directly contribute to protecting and promoting French and ensuring the vitality of official language minority communities. 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 official languages strategy had been put in place.
Senator Moreau, with all due respect, francophone minority communities in Canada disagree with you. It’s good that some symbols and a bit of money were included in this bill. However, I believe you would agree with me that French is declining, even here in the National Capital Region. Communities need robust regulations and political will to truly rise to the challenges they currently face.
How can the government reassure these communities and submit final regulations that will —
Thank you, Senator Housakos.
I would reiterate the government’s commitment to protect French in francophone minority communities across Canada. As a francophone myself, this matters to me.
I applaud the initiatives taken by of all my anglophone colleagues who choose to speak French at times. I remember Senator Wilson’s excellent speech. We have to set an example. The whole of government is responsible for setting an example, and the Government of Canada is adequately doing so.
