Strengthening economic opportunities in official language minority communities in Prince Edward Island
News release
Investing in local organizations and businesses is driving economic growth in official language minority communities
March 20, 2026 · Wellington, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Bilingualism is at the heart of Canadian identity and a great source of pride from coast to coast to coast. Official language minority communities (OLMCs) contribute significantly to the economic vitality of Canada. Acadian and francophone businesses, entrepreneurs and local organizations help create jobs, strengthen local economies and generate new opportunities.
That is why, on the International Day of La Francophonie, the Government of Canada is recognizing these contributions and reaffirming its commitment to supporting the continued economic development of the Acadian and Francophone community in Atlantic Canada.
Today, Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, announced a federal investment of nearly $400,000 to support three projects in Prince Edward Island. The funding will help the following organizations strengthen their capacity, improve productivity, expand economic opportunities and contribute to the continued growth of their communities:
- RDÉE Î.-P.-É. will support training and summer employment over two years through PERCÉ (Programme d’entrepreneuriat régional, communautaire et économique), providing francophone youth with work experience opportunities in their field of study on PEI. ($277,164)
- RDÉE Î.-P.-É. will deliver a pitch competition for francophone and bilingual entrepreneurs, provide professional mentorship, and host the 2026 Acadian Entrepreneurs’ Gala. ($34,135)
- La Société acadienne et francophone de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard will develop and deliver shared human resource tools that will support its not-for-profit Acadian and Francophone members with employee onboarding, pay processing, information sharing, and website development. ($79,116)
Canada’s linguistic duality is a defining part of our national identity. By supporting projects that help businesses and organizations grow and thrive, the Government of Canada is helping strengthen the vitality and long-term economic development of official language minority communities.
The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Quotes
“On the International Day of La Francophonie, we celebrate the important contribution that the Acadian and Francophone community makes to the economic and cultural vitality of Atlantic Canada. Through these investments, we are supporting businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations that help strengthen official language minority communities and create new economic opportunities across our region.’’
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“We recognize the International Day of La Francophonie as an opportunity to highlight the important role Acadian and Francophone entrepreneurs play in the economic and social life of Prince Edward Island. This investment will help local businesses and organizations continue to grow, strengthen our regional economy and create new opportunities for people in our communities.’’
- Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont
“Supporting the Island's Acadian and Francophone community through these important federal-provincial investments is essential to ensuring continued economic opportunities and vitality of this dynamic community. The Province is proud to work with the federal government to support the many contributions of French-speaking Island residents, and there is no better day to highlight this than on the International Day of La Francophonie.”
- The Honourable Gilles Arsenault, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Artificial Intelligence, and Minister responsible for Acadian and Francophone Affairs
Quick facts
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Official language minority communities (OLMCs) are groups of people whose preferred official language is not the language of majority in their province or territory.
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RDÉE Île-du-Prince-Édouard Inc. is the provincial francophone economic development council, providing leadership and coordination support dedicated to the prosperity of the Acadian and Francophone community of Prince Edward Island.
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La Société acadienne et francophone de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard acts as a voice and advocate for the PEI's Acadian population, with a focus on access to quality education for the Island francophone population.
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Federal funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Business Development Program.
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The Province of Prince Edward Island provided a total of $165,917 for two projects with RDÉE Île-du-Prince-Édouard Inc. and $79,116 for one project with a Société acadienne et francophone de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard.
Associated links
Contacts
Lola Dandybaeva
Manager of Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
lola.dandybaeva@justice.gc.ca
Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Vicki Tse
Bilingual Senior Communications Officer
Economic Development, Trade and Artificial Intelligence
vickitse@gov.pe.ca
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