Key Takeaways
- The Kinew government is seeking a special designation to promote Manitoba’s growing francophone community and tap into new markets in French-speaking countries.
- The government has submitted an application to join l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) as an observer to increase diplomatic ties and economic opportunities.
- Manitoba’s francophone community is growing, with a 40% increase in students enrolled in francophone schools since 1995.
- The government is working to create a comprehensive roadmap to bolster local French-language services and cultures, including improving public services and immersion schools.
- The number of Manitobans who can conduct a conversation in French is on the rise, but the demographic weight of this group is shrinking.
Introduction to Manitoba’s Francophone Community
The Kinew government is taking steps to promote Manitoba’s growing francophone community and tap into new markets in French-speaking countries. The government has completed its "truly bilingual province" consultations, which gathered feedback from Manitobans on what they want their province to sound like. Francophone Affairs Minister Glen Simard is reviewing the feedback and working to create a comprehensive roadmap to bolster local French-language services and cultures. The government’s immediate actions include submitting an application to join l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) as an observer, which will allow Manitoba to increase its diplomatic ties and economic opportunities with French-speaking countries.
The Importance of French Language and Culture in Manitoba
Minister Simard emphasized the importance of French language and culture in Manitoba, noting that the province was designed and created as a bilingual province by its first premier, Louis Riel. He also highlighted the unique francophone culture in Manitoba, which is shaped by the province’s Métis roots and its history as a bilingual province. Simard’s own experiences as a student and teacher in French immersion programs have also informed his approach to promoting francophone culture in Manitoba. He noted that French language education was once criminalized in Manitoba, but today, there are over 6,400 students enrolled in 25 francophone schools, representing a 40% increase since 1995.
The Government’s Plans for Promoting Francophone Culture
The government’s plans for promoting francophone culture include improving public services, such as government document translation, and expanding immersion schools. Simard also noted that the government is working to redefine Manitoba’s francophone community as one that is more inclusive of language-learners and immigrants. The NDP caucus is committed to making Manitoba a "truly bilingual province," and Premier Wab Kinew has been practising his French language skills at news conferences. The government is also planning to open new offices in St. Boniface and release its bilingualism strategy on March 20, International Day of La Francophonie.
Challenges and Opportunities for Manitoba’s Francophone Community
Despite the growth of Manitoba’s francophone community, there are challenges ahead. The number of Manitobans who can conduct a conversation in French is on the rise, but the demographic weight of this group is shrinking, according to Statistics Canada. However, Simard is optimistic about the opportunities for Manitoba’s francophone community, noting that French speakers are no longer "as siloed" as they once were in communities such as his hometown, St. Lazare. He also highlighted the potential for economic benefits from joining OIF and increasing diplomatic ties with French-speaking countries.
Conclusion and Future Plans
In conclusion, the Kinew government is taking important steps to promote Manitoba’s growing francophone community and tap into new markets in French-speaking countries. The government’s plans for promoting francophone culture, including improving public services and expanding immersion schools, are designed to create a more inclusive and vibrant community. While there are challenges ahead, Simard is optimistic about the opportunities for Manitoba’s francophone community, and the government is committed to making Manitoba a "truly bilingual province." The release of the bilingualism strategy on March 20, International Day of La Francophonie, will be an important milestone in this effort, and will provide a roadmap for the government’s future plans to promote francophone culture in Manitoba.
