March 3, 2023

Parents and Guardians,

As you may be aware, after public consultation on the future of French language learning earlier this year, the provincial government is not proceeding with the proposed 50/50 framework. French immersion registration for Grades 1 and 6 students will be opening in the coming weeks. Information will be posted at French Second Language Education (gnb.ca). The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development listened to the voices of 13,000 New Brunswickers who participated in the consultation process. This feedback is valued, and I thank those of you who shared your perspectives with us.

What I heard in our consultations about improving French results is that schools need to offer more in-depth French language instruction and build on the strength of French programming to have better outcomes in English Prime and French Immersion classrooms. We are using the feedback from the consultation sessions to write a report, which will be published in the early spring. I will be working closely with the New Brunswick Teacher’s Association, experts within the education system, parents, and other key stakeholders to identify what improvements are needed to get better results for our students.

In New Brunswick, we believe in giving every child the chance to have the tools they need to reach their full potential. We want all high school graduates to have the skills to thrive in life. This is our common goal. I believe this is just the beginning of what will be positive and lasting change to our education system. We will keep you informed on our progress as we move forward.

Sincerely,

Hon. Bill Hogan Minister of Education