Yellowknife — June 18, 2024
The Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) have signed a new Canada-Northwest Territories (NWT) Agreement on French Language Services from 2023-2024 to 2027-2028.
Under the new agreement, $5.9 million will be invested per fiscal year, for a total of $29.5 million over five years. The funding is provided to support the continued delivery of French language communications and services by GNWT departments, boards, and agencies.
The Francophone community is an important component of the Northwest Territories’ society and contributor to its social, economic, and cultural development. Funding under the new agreement will play a vital role in ensuring the stability and continued delivery of services for the community.
Quotes:
“The Canada-Northwest Territories Agreement on French Language Services is a significant milestone in Canada’s linguistic diversity and inclusion. Investing $29.5 million means that French-speaking residents of the Northwest Territories can access crucial services in their language. French language and culture in the North must be preserved. This funding is just one example of our dedication to supporting Francophone communities in the NWT.”
-Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages
“Ensuring the provision of French-language services is essential to fostering an inclusive and vibrant Franco-ténois community. This new agreement with Canada not only reinforces our government’s commitment to the Franco-ténois community but also builds on the significant progress we’ve made over the years. With this funding, we can continue to offer vital services, from healthcare to essential administrative support, in French.”
-Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
Quick Facts
- The previous agreement provided $16.9 million over three years, and ended in 2022-2023.
- In 2022-2023, the GNWT translated 2,740,768 words for French communications to the public.
- This funding agreement for French language services is part of the GNWT’s commitment to support all official languages of the NWT.
Related Links
- Francophone Affairs Secretariat
- Collaboration intergouvernementale en matière de services dans la langue de la minorité - Canada.ca
For media requests, please contact:
Briony Grabke
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-767-9352 ext. 71073
Mathis Denis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages
mathis.denis@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155