Liberals announce $500-million investment as official languages plan unveiled
OTTAWA — The federal government unveiled its action plan on official languages Wednesday, funded with an extra $500 million over five years that will go toward a host of services for minority-language communities across the country.
About two-thirds of the new money is dedicated to organizations that promote either French or English in cities and towns where the language is in the minority. The cash is in addition to the $2.2 billion over five years that had already been earmarked for these community groups.
Canada’s plan is a signal the federal government is serious about defending the country’s two official languages, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Heritage Minister Melanie Joly said during the announcement.
The government’s plan is three-fold: reinforce minority-language communities; offer better access to French-language services outside Quebec; and promote bilingualism.