Canada's New Government Launches Pilot Project for Francophone Families

News Release

EDMUNDSTON, NEW BRUNSWICK, April 4, 2007 — Today, the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, announced that five minority Francophone communities will participate in a pilot project to study the impact of enriched services in French on the linguistic, cultural and overall development of preschoolers. Minister Verner made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development.
This pilot project is part of the government's Action Plan for Official Languages. Canada's New Government has committed to contributing $10.8 million over five years toward this pilot project.
"This pilot project is a clear demonstration of our Government's commitments to the Action Plan for Official Languages," said Minister Verner. "This will provide important information about the effects of early intervention in the development of language and identity in minority language communities across Canada."
Five participating Francophone communities were selected to participate in this pilot project through a competitive process and to be representative of the diverse minority Francophone communities across Canada. The five communities are:
Edmundston, NB
Saint John, NB
Cornwall, ON
Durham, ON
Edmonton, AB
Close to 300 preschool Francophone children and their families residing in these communities will participate in this pilot project. They will be selected by day care centres and their communities. Children will receive enriched day care services in French to help them develop their language skills and their Francophone identity. In addition, family literacy workshops will offer parents advice, resources and training to help them encourage their children's learning. The pilot project will run from September 2007 to October 2009.
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819-994-5559

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Canada's New Government Launches Pilot Project for Francophone Families

News Release

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