Recognizing the Importance of French-Language Postsecondary Education

News Release

The Government of Canada supports the Réseau des cégeps et des collèges francophones du Canada

October 2, 2014 – Ottawa – Department of Canadian Heritage

The Réseau des cégeps et des collèges francophones du Canada (RCCFC) will receive more than $1.2 million in support of its efforts to promote French‑Canadian language and culture.

Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, for Official Languages and for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Member of Parliament (Lotbinière–Chutes-de-la-Chaudière), made the announcement at the annual meeting of the RCCFC, on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

A portion of the funding announced today comes from the Roadmap for Canada’s Official Languages 2013–2018.

Quick Facts

Official Languages Support Programs are allocating $750,000 to RCCFC’s program of activities over a three-year period (2013–16).
Official Languages Support Programs are contributing $165,000 over a two-year period (2014–16) toward RCCFC’s Soutien à la poursuite des études collégiales en français par les francophiles. This project, which was established in partnership with the Canadian Parents for French and Canadian Youth for French, seeks to encourage immersion students to continue their postsecondary college education in French.
Official Languages Support Programs are currently supporting various interprovincial collaborative initiatives by the RCCFC with funding of $300,000 over a three-year period (2013–16).
The RCCFC’s mission is to establish a true partnership between French colleges in Canada, including Quebec’s CEGEPs, by setting up a network that will provide support, promotion and communication.

Quotes

‘‘French-language postsecondary training in Canada will help train specialized workers, who will then be able to find work more easily in their community. In addition to better equipping individuals, we will also be contributing to the development and vitality of Francophone minority communities.’’

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

‘‘The RCCFC plays a crucial role in strengthening Canada’s network of French college‑level institutions. It gives them a voice and fosters collaboration between institutions. French-Canadian communities across the country benefit.’’

—Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, for Official Languages and for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Member of Parliament (Lotbinière–Chutes-de-la-Chaudière)

‘‘The Réseau des cégeps et des collèges francophones du Canada is pleased to learn that it can once again count on the support of its partner, Canadian Heritage, which will enable Francophile students to have greater access to quality French-language education at our college‑level institutions.’’

—Laurier Thibault, Director General of the Réseau des cégeps et des collèges francophones du Canada