FREDERICTON -- The New Brunswick government will spend up to $1 million to provide free second-language training for unemployed adults.
Premier Brian Gallant made the announcement Tuesday, saying many people realize the economic benefits that bilingualism creates but need help to become more fluent in their second language so they can compete for bilingual jobs.
"We are very confident that this program and this investment will help ensure that we have the strongest workforce possible," Gallant said.
Second-language training is offered at the anglophone and francophone community colleges across the province. Those courses normally cost between 210 and 725 dollars each, depending on the level and duration of the program.
Gallant says they will try to add seats to match demand.
"We heard from many that they wanted to have the opportunity to be able to upgrade their skills in a second official language, and that's exactly what we're going to give them with this announcement," he said, adding that the free courses will begin in January.
Employment insurance recipients will be eligible to continue receiving those benefits while taking second-language training.
Gallant said the $1 million is for one year, but could be extended if there is enough demand.
The announcement comes just a day after Gallant made a passionate plea for tolerance on bilingualism in New Brunswick, Canada's only officially bilingual province.
In a speech to a business audience in Saint John, the premier sought to debunk long-standing "myths" of its costs amid a perceived increase in linguistic tensions. Gallant said it takes work, co-operation and frank discussions to make it work.
He'll deliver the same speech in French to business leaders in Caraquet on Wednesday.
Gallant said he'll have an announcement before the end of the week on changes to the early French immersion program in schools.
