The French language and culture constitute “a fundamental part of Alberta history,” an MLA told the legislature part way through Francophonie Month.
Brandon Lunty, the UCP member for Leduc-Beaumont near Edmonton, praised the government for two initiatives that support people of francophone lineage in Alberta.
A French policy action plan released last year creates a roadmap for ensuring the language and community receive supports they need, Lunty said. More than 100 initiatives in the plan address areas like education, health, justice, early childhood and social services.
The plan will “help ensure French culture and heritage thrive across the province,” said Lunty, who calls the francophone community in his riding “strong and thriving.”
The Alberta government recently negotiated a new French-Language Services Bilateral Agreement with the feds, increasing support by more than $2-million per year for French language services in Alberta.
The annual contribution from Alberta to the Francophone Family Resource Network doubles to $2.1-million.
“I am excited that Alberta’s government is supporting the French community in my riding and across the province,” said Lunty.
Every March, Canada and other countries celebrate Francophonie Month. On the federal government Web site, the month is called “an opportunity to highlight the richness and vibrancy of the French language, as well as the contributions of francophones to our cultural heritage and collective identity.”
About 10 per cent of Albertans have French or French-Canadian heritage. The City of Beaumont is one of 18 municipalities and one hamlet in the Alberta Bilingual Municipalities Association.
Other members are Birch Hills County, Bonnyville town and municipal district, the Village of Donnelly, the City of Grande Prairie, the Village of Girouxville, the Town of Falher, Lac La Biche County, the Town of Legal, the Town of McLennan, the Town of Morinville, Northern Sunrise County, the hamlet of Plamondon, the town and county of Smoky Lake, the Municipal District of Smoky River, and the town and county of St. Paul.
Said Lunty: “From the early fur trade to today’s classrooms, French language and French culture have been a fundamental part of Alberta’s history. I’m happy to continue honouring this history and celebrate Francophonie Month, ensuring that this heritage is recognized for years to come.”
