For Immediate Release

April 24, 2026

Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick Receives Renewed Funding from Canadian Heritage

Moncton, NB — Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick (PBENB) is pleased to announce renewed federal funding from Canadian Heritage (Patrimoine canadien). The announcement was made today at Maplehurst Middle School (Anglophone East) by The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.

A contribution in the amount of more than $440,000 will be awarded to support PBENB’s activities under the Enhancement of Official Languages Program — Promotion of Linguistic Duality Component. This funding will be allocated over two federal fiscal years (2026–2028) and will help PBENB continue its work in strengthening bilingualism in Canada’s only officially bilingual province.

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages:

“Learning French opens doors—not just to jobs, but also to friendships, cultures and communities across the country. In a province like New Brunswick, where both official languages are part of everyday life, these opportunities matter even more. This investment helps young people build real connections that will stay with them for life.”

The announcement was held at Maplehurst Middle School which is part of the Anglophone East School District in Moncton. PBENB works very closely in collaboration with the Anglophone Public School System, where the organization provides programs, resources, and direct support to learners and their families. This partnership is central to PBENB’s mission of expanding access to high‑quality French second‑language learning across New Brunswick.

This investment enhances PBENB’s capacity to support families, educators, and communities in advancing strong bilingual education opportunities province‑wide.

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Member of Parliament (Moncton–Dieppe):

“After English, French is the most widely spoken language in the world. Educating New Brunswick children in both official languages helps prepare them for our increasingly global economy. I am proud the Government of Canada helps volunteer driven organizations like Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick advocate for our children's futures."

PBENB President Jane Keith expressed her appreciation for the continued partnership:

“We are extremely pleased to receive renewed support from Canadian Heritage for the 2026–2028 funding cycle. This investment strengthens Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick’s ability to support families and educators across our province. As New Brunswickers serving New Brunswickers in Canada’s only officially bilingual province, we are committed to ensuring every child has access to strong, high‑quality French second‑language learning. This continued partnership allows us to expand access to programs, respond to growing demand, and help build a more inclusive, sustainable bilingual future.”

Through its programs, Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick helps young people build strong language skills, deepen their understanding of our province’s rich Anglophone and Francophone cultures, and develop a strong sense of belonging within New Brunswick’s proud bilingual identity. PBENB remains committed to strengthening bilingual learning and celebrating New Brunswick’s vibrant Anglophone and Francophone communities.

About PBENB Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick Inc. is a parent-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, supporting, and expanding opportunities for French second language education in New Brunswick’s Anglophone school system.

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Media Contact:

Bonnie Porter

Executive Director

506.377.1597

executivedirector@pbenb.com

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