For Immediate Release

‍

Moncton, NB – June 23, 2026 -Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick (PBENB) appeared before the Official Languages Act Review Committee today and called on the committee to strengthen New Brunswick's commitment to bilingualism by protecting French Immersion and French second-language education through legislative action.

‍

During its presentation, PBENB emphasized that increasing bilingualism among anglophone New Brunswickers represents one of the province's greatest opportunities to strengthen economic development, workforce mobility, and social cohesion while supporting the long-term vitality of New Brunswick's unique bilingual identity.

‍

"French Immersion has been one of the most successful educational programs in New Brunswick's history," said Bonnie Porter, Executive Director of PBENB. "It has helped generations of young people become bilingual and has contributed significantly to the province's bilingual workforce. We believe future generations deserve the same opportunities."

‍

PBENB's primary recommendation was that the Official Languages Act be amended to require that any fundamental change to French second-language programming in the anglophone sector, including French Immersion, be debated and approved by the Legislative Assembly rather than implemented solely through an Order in Council.

‍

"Decisions that affect the bilingual future of tens of thousands of New Brunswick children deserve public debate, transparency, and accountability," said Jane Keith, President of PBENB. "This recommendation is not about preventing change. It is about ensuring that significant changes to French-language learning opportunities receive the scrutiny and democratic oversight they deserve."

‍

In addition to legislative protection, PBENB recommended:

‍

• A formal teacher recruitment and retention incentive program for qualified French educators willing to teach in the anglophone sector, particularly in rural and underserved regions;
• Defined access standards for French Immersion across all four anglophone school districts; and
• Annual public reporting on French Immersion enrollment, retention, teacher capacity, and proficiency outcomes.

‍

PBENB also acknowledged that the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has recognized the challenges associated with teacher recruitment and retention and has included this issue as a component of the province's developing Education Plan. The organization noted that these efforts would be strengthened by providing long-term stability and confidence in the future of French Immersion.

‍

Protecting and strengthening French-language learning opportunities benefits the province as a whole. French Immersion helps develop the bilingual workforce that New Brunswick's economy depends on, expands employment opportunities for graduates, strengthens workforce mobility, and fosters greater understanding between linguistic communities. PBENB told the Committee that these benefits extend far beyond individual students and families and contribute directly to the province's economic prosperity and social cohesion.

‍

Continued progress depends on stable, accessible, and accountable French-language learning opportunities across the province.

‍

" More than a policy, bilingualism is a defining characteristic of New Brunswick and the key reason this province stands apart as Canada’s only officially bilingual province. That distinction is worth protecting," PBENB concluded in its presentation.

‍

About PBENB

Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick (PBENB) is a parent-led, province-wide organization dedicated to supporting high-quality French Second Language and French Immersion education. PBENB advocates for strong programs, informed families, and equitable access to bilingual learning opportunities for all students.

‍

French immersion needs protection from politics, parents' group tells MLAs - CBC

Bullet-proof French immersion if you want a bilingual N.B.: group | Northern Light

‍

‍