Ottawa, March 1st, 2022 — CANADIAN PARENTS FOR FRENCH was gratified to learn that Bill C-13, An Act to amend the Official Languages Act, to enact the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act and to make related amendments to other Acts, was tabled this morning in the House of Commons by the Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Ginette Petitpas Taylor.

While the Act itself is limited in scope in reference to English-speaking Canadians desiring to learn French as their second official language — as this is not considered a ‘linguistic right’ within the Act — the Government has included strengthened language for organizations, such as Canadian Parents for French, to work with as we advocate for improved access and quality of French language learning and programs.

We welcome language to explicitly recognize within the Preamble of the Act, the Government of Canada’s commitment to:

  • enhance opportunities for all to learn both English and French;
  • recognize the importance of providing opportunities for everyone in Canada to learn a second official language and the contribution of everyone in Canada who speaks both official languages to a mutual appreciation between the two official language communities of Canada; and,
  • encourage and assist provincial and territorial governments and non-profit organizations to provide opportunities for everyone in Canada to learn both English and French and to foster an acceptance and appreciation of both English and French by members of the public;

The Bill recognizes that English-speaking families are looking for French language learning opportunities for their children, that they want to take greater advantage of Canada’s official bilingualism, and that they should not be deprived of equitable access to second-language learning opportunities and the possibilities related to these opportunities.

CPF has long advocated strengthening the language of the Act to be inclusive of all Canadians, recognizing the role of Bilingual Canadians acting as a bridge to social cohesion. We are gratified to see a commitment to work cooperatively with provincial and territorial governments to ensure the principle of equality of opportunity and the realization of the vision of a bilingual Canada.

“Our official languages are an essential tool for the inclusion and integration of all Canadians into our diverse society. The overarching vision in the modernized Act helps guarantee the opportunity for all Canadians to learn their second official language and affirms the benefits of a bilingual and multilingual Canada,” said Derrek Bentley, National President, Canadian Parents for French.

CPF members will be encouraged to communicate with their elected officials to support Bill C-13 to ensure its passage within the shortest delays. Canadian Parents for French looks forward to working collaboratively with all federal, provincial and territorial government stakeholders to provide more second language learning opportunities for all those who call Canada home.

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Canadian Parents for French is a nationwide, research-informed, volunteer organization that represents 34,000 members across Canada and champions the opportunity to learn and use French for all those who call Canada home.

For more information, please contact:

Marcos Salaiza, National Manager, Communications and Government Relations

Tel: 613.235.1481 x222 Email: msalaiza@cpf.ca