From the Government of Alberta: 

Laila Goodridge, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche, is the newly named parliamentary secretary for the Francophonie.

This new role will ensure the continued implementation of Alberta’s French Policy, as well as the French Policy Action Plan. The French Policy outlines the guiding principles the government will use to maintain existing and develop new French language services and supports.

As parliamentary secretary, Goodridge will help connect government and the francophone community to enhance services in French, as well as explore opportunities to obtain funding from the federal government in Official Languages funding streams.

“Francophones have deep roots in Alberta, and continue to have a strong presence in our province’s cultural mosaic. I am pleased to have the support of a parliamentary secretary to ensure that Alberta’s Francophonie has the services and programs it needs to continue thriving.” Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister responsible for the Francophone Secretariat.

The parliamentary secretary Laila Goodridge is fluent in French and graduated from Campus St-Jean at the University of Alberta. Over the years, she has built strong connections with the francophone community, including in her own riding.

“I am excited to get to know the francophone community better and continue to develop meaningful relationships with them. I intend to work closely with Premier Kenney, Minister Aheer and stakeholders in the community to ensure we are taking the best path forward for the Francophonie.” Laila Goodridge, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche, parliamentary secretary for the Francophonie.

Quick facts

  • After English, French is the most spoken language in Alberta.
  • Between 2011 and 2036, growth in the French-speaking populations of Canada is projected to be highest in Alberta with growth between 25 per cent and 50 per cent.
  • More than 200,000 Alberta students were enrolled in French-language programs in 2017-2018, representing almost one in three students.
  • A Conference Board of Canada study revealed that the knowledge of French is an asset to the Canadian economy, as it allows for diversification of trade, boosts exports and imports, and helps create jobs and growth.

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