An advocacy group is applauding New Brunswickers for speaking out about the importance of French immersion.

Canadian Parents for French New Brunswick (CPF-NB) is thrilled the province has abolished its 50/50 model and will open registration for Grade 1 French Immersion this fall.

Executive director Chris Collins credits the people for showing up at meetings, calling their MLA’s and being engaged in meaningful dialogue.

The group noted how over 1,000 people turned up to the public meetings in Bathurst, Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton last month, and more took part in the virtual sessions as well.

Collins feels this could be a genuine turning point for the education of New Brunswick students.

“The fact that there were so many teachers speaking out at these meetings shows that there is a lot of need in the system.  Having the Premier and the Education Minister acknowledge that, and pledge to address those needs is such welcome news! We at CPF-NB know that it’s a huge undertaking, and would love to offer any help we can as the government moves forward.  At this point, we will continue to monitor the Language Learning Opportunities, or LLOs, with concern.”

Collins added that bilingualism is paramount to the province’s success and French Immersion is a proven way to give New Brunswickers more opportunity.