The Government of Canada awarded CANADIAN PARENTS FOR FRENCH a grant of $110,500 for a one-year period starting immediately under the Enhancement of Official Languages Program, Second Language Learning Component.

Ottawa, December 5, 2020 — Every day, Canadian Parents for French recognizes the important contribution of all of its volunteers across the country on achieving our mandate. In light of the unprecedented situation in 2020, CPF is extending a special recognition to a committed team of over 400+ French-speaking volunteers across Canada engaged in weekly tutoring sessions with students learning French as a Second Language (FSL).

December 5 marks International Volunteer Day, a global celebration of volunteers first mandated by the United Nations in 1985. This year’s theme is “Together We Can Through Volunteering”, with a special focus on the impacts of volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This theme is especially fitting as FSL teaching and learning has been greatly impacted during the current school year. Since last spring, as schools closed and classroom teaching was disrupted, CPF saw great demand from parents and students across the country requesting support in continuing FSL learning from home. In response, CPF proposed a virtual tutoring program pilot to be delivered by French-speaking volunteers.

A call for help was issued and bilingual Canadians responded, with over 400 volunteers, all ready to facilitate weekly online French conversations, reading practice and homework help with students aged 6 to 14 years of age. The program offered free of charge is helping students build linguistic security to fully develop their language skills.

CPF gratefully acknowledges receipt of an important financial contribution by the Government of Canada, to support the coordination and delivery of this project across Canada. The grant has been awarded by the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages. The funds have provided resources to recruit, train and support volunteers and expand student participation in the program.

“At CPF, we are very grateful every day for all of our volunteers. On this 2020 International Volunteer Day, we especially want to recognize these volunteer tutors. It has been a challenging year for everyone. It is because of them that we are able to support over 500 families in every province and territory. The grant received has enabled this and ensures FSL learning continues despite these challenging times,” said Nicole Thibault, Executive Director, CPF National.

For more information about the program or to become a volunteer, visit the CPF National website.

Canadian Parents for French is a nationwide, research-informed, volunteer organization that represents 25,000 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 Coordinator, Communications and Government Relations

Tel: 613.235.1481 x222 Email: msalaiza@cpf.ca