Moncton, NB – September 29, 2026 — Parents forBilingual Education New Brunswick (PBENB) hosted its Annual General Meeting onSaturday, September 26, 2026, bringing together members, partners, educatorsand supporters to celebrate a productive year of growth in French-languageeducation and bilingualism across New Brunswick.

‍

The AGM featured a keynoteaddress by Dr. Pierre Marcel Desjardins, economist and professor at theUniversité de Moncton, who spoke about the significant economic benefits ofbilingualism in New Brunswick.

‍

“Many sectors are present in New Brunswick because of bilingualism. It generates more economic activity. It generates more employment, it generates more government revenues, so bilingualism becomes a true benefit for the province. Everybody benefits from bilingualism,” said Dr. Desjardins.

‍

The Honourable Claire Johnson,Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, also broughtgreetings to the AGM, recognizing the importance of continued dialogue andcollaboration surrounding education and French second language learning in NewBrunswick.

‍

Reflecting on the past year,PBENB President Jane Keith highlighted the organization’s growth inprograms, partnerships, membership and funding.

‍

“It has been a productive andbusy year for the PBENB. We have forged new partnerships, added new programsfor students, added to our membership and supporters list, and acquiredadditional funding partners. As President of PBENB, it has been exciting andrewarding to see our programs grow, our partners grow, and our funding grow.”

‍

Keith added, “We do this work because we believe in bilingualism, French second language education and French Immersion. We want to ensure that every student in New Brunswick is learning and discovering the French language and culture. It’s about every student having the opportunity to become bilingual and preparing the next generation to thrive in both of our official languages.”

‍

Over the past year, PBENB strengthened its relationships with the New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and all four Anglophone School Districts, while continuing to build strong partnerships across the province. Together, these relationships have helped PBENB expand its reach and create meaningful opportunities for students and families.

‍

These partnerships have alsostrengthened PBENB’s ability to bring the perspectives of parents and studentsto important conversations about the future of French-language education in NewBrunswick, including through its participation in the development of theprovince’s new 12-year Education Plan.

‍

The AGM also included the election of PBENB’s Board of Directors.

‍

New Board Member:
• Tanya Cloutier

‍

Returning Board Members:
• Jane Keith, President
• Carole Noel, Vice President
• Debbie Melanson, Treasurer
• Linda Dickson
• Craig Caldwell
• Dorothy White
• Chris Collins

‍

Advisor to the Board:
• Greg Keith

‍

Together, the Board brings arange of experience and a shared commitment to strengthening bilingualism andFrench-language education in New Brunswick.

‍

Executive Director Bonnie Porter said the organization is proud of the progress made over the past year and the growing network of people and organizations working together to support students.

‍

“One of the greatest strengths of PBENB is our ability to bring people and organizations together around a common goal: creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn, use, appreciate, and continue with French,” said Porter. “Our partnerships allow us to connect parents with information, schools with resources, students with opportunities, and organizations with one another.”

‍

As PBENB looks ahead, theorganization will continue working to strengthen French-language learningopportunities from preschool through graduation and beyond, support educatorsand schools, help parents navigate French Immersion and French-language education,and create more opportunities for students to use French and connect withFrancophone and Acadian communities.

‍

“The future of bilingualism in New Brunswick depends on collaboration,” said Keith. “It will depend on government, schools, educators, parents, students, Francophone and Anglophone communities, organizations, and funders continuing to work together. And PBENB is ready to be part of that work.”

‍

‍