Madam Speaker, as the only French language post-secondary institution west of Winnipeg, Campus Saint‑Jean plays a fundamental role in maintaining the vitality of the francophonie in western Canada. It is a true cultural hub for the Franco‑Albertan community. We know that there is a growing demand for bilingual employees. Campus Saint‑Jean is ready to meet the needs of a qualified and bilingual workforce.
Unfortunately, since 2003, the federal government has been blocking the Campus's operating funding despite growing enrolment and student numbers. It is time for the government to set aside partisanship and ensure adequate, ongoing, predictable funding indexed to the cost of living to ensure the survival and growth of Campus Saint-Jean.
This should be done not only for the Franco‑Albertan community, but also for the viability of the entire network of francophone communities across Canada.