November 14, 2024 Gatineau (Quebec) Employment and Social Development Canada
Official language minority communities (OLMCs) have made unique contributions to Canada's history and diversity. Recognizing the key role they play in the workforce and the economy, the Government of Canada continues to take measures to support Francophone and Anglophone minorities across the country.
Today, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, highlighted additional funding of $20.5 million being allocated over five years to the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities Program. This funding will benefit 14 organizations across Canada and is in addition to the historic investment of $74.5 million that was renewed for 2023-28, for a total of $95 million. Today's announcement follows the Dialogue Days, an annual consultation meeting with OLMC organizations, which also built on the national level discussions held at Workforce Summit 2024 about future labour market development.
The Enabling Fund is ESDC's flagship program to enhance the vitality of official language minority communities. The program funds a network of 14 organizations: one national Francophone organization and one organization in each province and territory. This additional funding will enable organizations to continue to strengthen their capacity in the areas of community economic development, human resource development and promotion of partnerships to support inclusive local labour markets.
Enabling Fund recipients have accomplished great things across Canada. Over the past five years, the combined efforts of the 14 organizations have helped create at least 60 new businesses and more than 4,500 jobs. Each year, more than 90,000 people, businesses and community organizations benefit from the activities these organizations offer. On average, more than 11,000 young people and 12,000 newcomers use services funded by the program every year.
Today's announcement reaffirms the Government of Canada's commitment to working together with OLMC organizations to support the vitality of these communities across Canada. The Enabling Fund also contributes to the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-28: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration. The Action Plan is the main instrument used by the Government of Canada to advance the equality of status and use of English and French in Canadian society, in accordance with the Official Languages Act.
