June 18, 1999
(Education)

Province accessing its share of funds for French language instruction

"Funding for French language instruction is available through the Department of Education from Canadian Heritage, and thanks to the Official Languages in Education Program (OLE) the province has seen an increase of 18.5 per cent in the number of students enroled in French immersion since 1989-90," said Judy Foote, Minister of Education.

The Official Languages in Education Program provided over $2 million for French first language and French second language education in Newfoundland and Labrador in 1998-99 and monies were allotted in three categories:

1. The Infrastructure Support category which has historically been based on enrolments in French first language, French immersion, and Core French programs. These funds are used for the maintenance of existing programs, the purchase of materials, in-servicing of teachers, as well as costs incurred directly by the Department of Education. In 1998-99 the province was allocated $788,006 in this category.

2. The Minimum Guarantee category is based on historical funding levels. These development funds are used for program expansion and development, for teacher training and for student support programs such as bursaries and fellowships. In 1998-99 the total value of this category was $978,844.

3. The Supplementary Funds category is also used to support new programs. The amount provided under this category is determined annually by Canadian Heritage, based on the projects proposed by each province. Funds in this category are provided at the discretion of the Minister of Canadian Heritage. In 1998-99 - $316,948 was allotted in this category.

Each year the Department of Education requests boards or groups who wish to apply for funding under the OLE to submit their proposals for the upcoming fiscal year to the department by January 31. Department officials review these proposals and make a submission on behalf of the province to Canadian Heritage by April 1. The Department of Education is currently in discussions with Canadian Heritage with respect to the annual submission to determine the level of funding available to this province for 1999-2000.

An increase in overall national OLE funding is anticipated for 1999-2000; however, the Department of Education anticipates reductions over 1998-99 funding levels in the Supplementary Funding category due to changing criteria. Discussions are ongoing involving both levels of government and the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada.

The Department of Education and Canadian Heritage have committed OLE funds to the implementation of francophone school governance for 1999-2000 through the Supplementary Funding category. In 1997 the province entered into a separate agreement with the federal government for the establishment of a francophone governance structure. The Special Agreement for the Implementation of Francophone School Governance was set up for two years ending on March 31, 1999. Monies for the operation of the francophone school board in 1999-2000 will be allocated from the OLE program.

"The department welcomes applications from school boards and other organizations for funding under the Supplementary Funding category of the OLE," said Minister Foote. "As this money is allocated for new initiatives at the discretion of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, there may be limited opportunities for additional projects in this fiscal year. Interested parties should contact the Department of Education for further information."

Media contact: Nancy Healey, (709) 729-0048.

1998 06 18                             4:50 p.m.