Response to Provincial Election Questionnaire 1 messages
Liz Sandals Campaign
Question 1: Are you aware that there are over 1.4 million Ontarians* who speak both English and French, the vast majority of whom learned French as a second language? • Yes
WHAT DO YOU THINK...? In Ontario, we are very proud of our diverse FrancoOntarian community and it is reflected in our publicly funded education system. We have four school systems which are all publicly funded with almost 1 million FSL children enrolled in Core French, Extended French, or French Immersion programs. Ontario Liberals recognize the tremendous advantage students have when they speak one or more languages. This is why we require all students in the publicly funded Englishlanguage systems to study FSL from grades 48 and earn at least one high school credit in French.
The facts tell us that learning a second language not only strengthens students’ problem solving, reasoning, and creative thinking skills, but it also develops their understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures. French as a Second Language programs are for all students in Englishlanguage boards, including students with special needs and English language learners. Directions for planning the delivery of curriculum to students with special education needs are included in all curriculum policy documents, including those for FSL.
Our plan also commits to bring a more global focus to students’ experiences and learning opportunities. We will set a longterm goal that will see significantly more Ontario students graduate with international experience and knowledge of another language.
Question 2: Do you believe funding for French Second Language education programs should be maintained, increased or decreased? Why? • Increased
Why? Ontario Liberals can stand behind the progress that we’ve made in French language education since 2003, but we recognize that there is more work to do.
The primary goal of the French as a second language programs in Ontario is to increase a student’s ability to communicate in French. The programs enable students to better understand the stages of language learning and the use of language learning strategies to acquire the language. FSL funding under the Language Grant is projected to be $245.4 million in 20142015, which is an increase of $5 million over 20132014.
Additionally, the Protocol for the CanadaAgreement on Minority Language Education and Second Language Instruction 20132014 to 20172018 was signed in August 2013. Funding under this agreement supports strategies that increase student participation, student performance, provision of programs, enriched school environment, support for educational staff and research. This funding is in addition to the $245.4 million in provincial FSL funding that boards received through the Language Grant.
We have provided leadership on FSL, including the newly formed French as a Second Language Provincial Working Group. With representation from various FSL stakeholder associations, including CPF Ontario, the group members have provided input into the development of our FSL Framework document. A Framework for French as a Second Language in Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 1, was released in February 2013.
We have, and will continue to recognize the importance of FSL in an era of increased globalization. Working with our partners, the Wynne government will develop an implementation plan for our commitment to set a longterm goal that will see significantly more Ontario students graduate with international experience and knowledge of another language. We will ensure this longterm goal is supported with appropriate resources to support the success of our students.
Question 3: In a competitive global economy, where 52 nations have French as an official or working language, do you believe Frenchlanguage, postsecondary education should be a priority in Ontario? • Yes
The Ontario Liberal Party believes that francophone students deserve a supportive learning environment that allows them to learn and succeed in their own language. This includes recognizing the importance of providing francophone students with a broader range of postsecondary programs and services in French through investments in postsecondary education and training.
The Ontario Liberal government has increased funding to Frenchlanguage postsecondary education by over 62 per cent since 200304. For 201213, this targeted funding amounted to $83.56 million, including $14.58 million in federal support under the Official Languages in Education program. In partnership with the federal government, the Wynne government has invested $179.98 million in capital projects since 2008 to support Frenchlanguage postsecondary education.
Beginning in 201314, Francophone students who are attending fulltime studies in French will be eligible for Ontario Distance Grants, even if there is another institution closer to home. This expanded eligibility criteria supports accessibility of Frenchlanguage postsecondary studies in Ontario.
The Ontario Liberal government made changes to the Ontario Distance Grant to create a supportive environment that allows francophone students to learn and succeed in their own language and give them better access to good jobs, to build a stronger economy.
In addition to a $16.5 million investment to help universities and colleges expand their Frenchlanguage programs in the Central Southwest region, the Wynne government also announced on February 7, 2014 the creation of an Advisory Committee on French Language Postsecondary Education for Central and Southwestern Ontario, a new committee that will help strengthen and expand Frenchlanguage postsecondary education in central and southwestern Ontario.
Question 4: What has been your or your family’s experience with French?
My first real experience with the French language began when I was in Grade 9. I took French that year in school and then participated in an exchange with a student from Quebec City. I must say that I learned a lot during that time and my French skills were at their best especially as my exchange partner spoke less English than I did French so I had to serve as her translator for her stay in Guelph.
Many years have passed since my exchange and as Minister of Education, French has once again become a significant part of my life. Through my work with the province's FSL programs and French school boards, I have come to appreciate the value of French language in Ontario. I hope that more and more parents encourage their children to embrace the French language and all of the benefits it brings with it.
CPF Ontario thanks you for your participation! Please return to [email protected] or fax to 9056255570.
*Source – Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages: http://www.ocol clo.gc.ca/html/nl_tnl_e.php