FREDERICTON (GNB) – Following recent public consultation on the future of French language learning, the provincial government will not proceed with implementing the proposed 50/50 framework and will be opening French immersion registration for Grade 1 students.

“We listened intently to the voices of nearly 13,000 New Brunswickers who participated in our consultation sessions over the past month,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Bill Hogan said. “We have taken all we have heard and incorporated it into our decision.”

A summary of results from public consultations will be released in the early spring.

“At the same time, we know more schools need to offer more in-depth French language instruction, have better French outcomes, and improvements are needed in English Prime classrooms,” said Hogan.

A stakeholder group will be established and will involve the New Brunswick Teachers’ Association, experts within the education system, and parents to inform the development of next steps.

“The system as it currently stands, is leaving a large portion of children behind and we are committed to addressing the issues causing this,” said Hogan. “We want all high school graduates to be equipped with the skills they need to thrive in life so that no child is left behind. This is not the end, but the beginning of what will be positive and lasting change.”