The Government of Canada helps minority Francophone families in Manitoba improve their literacy and essential skills

December 17, 2009

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA — The federal government will provide funding for a project designed to help Francophone immigrants improve their literacy and other essential skills. Ms. Shelly Glover, Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface and Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“Our government is working with partners to improve the literacy and essential skills of Canadians in official language minority communities in order to help them find jobs and build better futures,” said Ms. Glover. “It is important that all Canadians are able to acquire the skills they need to succeed in the job market.”
Pluri-elles (Manitoba) Inc. will receive $406,201 over 29 months for a family literacy and immigration integration project. The goal of the project is to develop and test two family literacy programs with a view to encouraging participation among Francophone immigrants in Manitoba and elsewhere in Canada, as well as improving their essential skills and literacy.

This project is funded through the Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program under the Family Literacy Initiative of the Roadmap for Canada’s Linguistic Duality.

“This funding will help us accomplish a great deal,” added Ms. Mona Audet, Executive Director of Pluri-elles. “Recruiting and welcoming Francophone immigrants is one thing; ensuring that they integrate successfully is another. Several factors contribute to successful integration, including access to employment and learning English and French. This initiative will be a valued addition for immigrant families in Manitoba and will open the door to new opportunities.”

Literacy and essential skills are key to ensuring that Canadians can participate fully and succeed in the workforce. The Government of Canada’s Office of Literacy and Essential Skills works with partners such as provincial and territorial governments, employers and community organizations to provide Canadians with the tools and supports they need to maximize opportunities for themselves, their families and their communities.