Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick (PBENB), proudly hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, September 27, 2025, bringing together members, partners, and distinguished guests to celebrate progress in bilingual education and chart a dynamic course for the year ahead.

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The AGM featured a keynote address by the Honourable Claire Johnson, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, who highlighted the province’s continued commitment to strengthening bilingual education. Minister Johnson emphasized the strong relationship with PBENB, stating: “C’est longtemps que nous avons un beau partenariat avec vous et on veut continuer.” [“We have long had a strong partnership with you, and we want to continue.”]

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PBENB was also honoured by the presence of distinguished representatives from the Secretariat of Official Languages, the Commissioner of Official Languages (Atlantic), Canadian Heritage, and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Their participation underscored the importance of collaboration across governments and organizations in advancing linguistic duality in New Brunswick.

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A key highlight of the AGM was the election of PBENB’s Board of Directors. The Board includes:

• New members: Chris Collins, Angela MacIntyre Harris, and Linda Dickson.
• Returning members: President Jane Keith, Vice President Carole Noel, Treasurer Debbie Melanson, Craig Caldwell, Robert Bernier, and Dorothy White.
• Advisor to the Board: Greg Keith.

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Together, this group of educators, education professionals, community leaders, former politicians, and parents bring a wealth of experience and share a deep commitment to supporting bilingualism and French as an additional language here in Canada’s only officially bilingual province.

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Reflecting on the past year, President Jane Keith emphasized PBENB’s renewed strength and direction:‍

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“At PBENB, we believe bilingualism is a strength that fuels our economy, enriches our culture, and defines our identity as New Brunswickers.”
— Jane Keith, President, PBENB‍

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Executive Director Bonnie Porter added: “Learning French as an additional language opens doors and creates opportunities in life. This personal and professional enrichment is at the heart of my passion for strengthening bilingual education in New Brunswick.”‍

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As PBENB looks ahead, the organization is energized by its renewed leadership, strengthened partnerships, and unwavering mission to ensure every Anglophone student in New Brunswick has the opportunity to learn and use French from kindergarten through graduation and beyond. As President Keith noted, “The sky’s the limit.”

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