The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have formalized their commitment to minority-language education with the signing of the Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement on minority-language education and second official-language instruction for the term 2024–2025 to 2027–2028. This significant development aims to promote and protect Canada’s two official languages, which are seen as fundamental to Canadian identity.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Rachel Bendayan, Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety, on March 10, 2025. "Our two official languages are at the heart of Canadian identity. They make us unique, unite us and enrich our culture from coast to coast to coast. Promoting and protecting them starts with education," said Bendayan. "Investing in minority-language education and second-official-language instruction is also key for the Fransaskois community, as it strengthens linguistic and cultural vitality, fosters bilingualism, and ensures the long-term sustainability of French in Saskatchewan."
Under the terms of this new agreement, over $43 million will be invested for the Fransaskois community. This funding aims to provide quality education in French as both a minority and second language across various educational levels, from preschool to post-secondary institutions. The provincial government will match this funding with its own investment of $43 million to support the agreement’s objectives.
"Bilingualism is a fundamental part of Canadian identity. The collaboration between our two governments will strengthen French-language learning and preserve our invaluable cultural heritage for generations to come," added Bendayan, emphasizing the importance of this agreement.
Minister of Education for Saskatchewan, Everett Hindley, also expressed his support, stating, "We are pleased to see this agreement reaffirm Saskatchewan’s commitment to providing students with access to high-quality French-language education. By investing in our linguistic programs, we are equipping students with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive."
According to the press release, the government has been actively promoting bilingual education for over 50 years. These bilateral agreements play a significant role in implementing activities aimed at teaching French as a minority language and learning English as the second official language.
Statistics indicate remarkable growth within the French-language education system. Enrolment in French-language minority schools across Canada has surged by 21.5 percent from 2005–2006 to 2020–2021, according to Statistics Canada. Similarly, demand for French immersion programs has doubled, rising to 484,377 students enrolled at elementary and secondary levels by the 2020–2021 academic year, up from 295,197 in 2005–2006.
Parallel to these developments, the government of Canada has also reached similar agreements with the Northwest Territories, which was also announced on March 10, 2025. Under the Canada-Northwest Territories Agreement, the federal government will invest over $15.4 million over four years to promote French-language education for the Franco-Ténois community. The Northwest Territories government is contributing more than $20.4 million to meet the agreement’s goals.
Bendayan remarked, "Education is at the heart of the vitality of our official languages. This agreement reaffirms our commitment to supporting French-language learning across the country. By working together with the Government of the Northwest Territories, we are helping strengthen bilingualism, which enriches Canadian identity."
The significance of these agreements cannot be understated, as they reflect the increasing demand for linguistic education across Canada. The Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028 highlights the importance of such investments. It recognizes the social, economic, and cultural value of official languages, calling for over $4.1 billion to support official-language minority communities across the country.
These agreements and the investments involved are pivotal for communities like the Fransaskois and Franco-Ténois, as they help secure access to French-language education and promote growth within their respective environments.
These partnerships aim to nurture the next generations of bilingual Canadians, fostering not only linguistic competence but also cultural appreciation and identity. Through these initiatives, both provincial and territorial governments alongside the federal government are setting clear goals for advancing bilingual education and protecting the heritage of Canada's French-speaking communities.
Moving forward, the focus will remain on ensuring the long-term sustainability of French language education, thereby enhancing Canada’s commitment to its bilingual identity and supporting the needs of linguistic minorities throughout the country.