More French-speaking schools are needed in Nova Scotia.
That’s according to a new report from the province’s Acadian school board, the CSAP.
They say only 27 percent of first-language French students go to one of their 23 schools in the province.
Board chair Diane Racette says learning in your first language is a constitutional right.
“It’s essential to protecting the Acadian and Francophone identity, and ensuring the vitality of our communities in Nova Scotia,” said Racette.
The report recommends expanding infrastructure, improving transportation and more funding equity.
“There are some challenges with student transportation, many are spending two hours a day on the bus. We’d also like to see more CSAP schools in underserviced and overcrowded areas.”
Racette says the government is taking action, and they’re putting a joint-committee together to address the recommendations.
It will involve the Department of Education, the Department of Acadian Affairs and the CSAP, and look at concrete solutions.
“We want to maintain our language and culture, and we want to see it grow and flourish. That starts in the home, but education is a very important component to that,” added Racette.
