More Francophone Teachers in Manitoba

CDEM and the Government of Manitoba announce agreement to support the recruitment and retention of French-language teachers in Manitoba

Winnipeg, August 18, 2026. The Government of Manitoba and the Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM) announce the signing of a funding agreement to support the implementation of initiatives related to the recruitment and retention strategy for French-language teachers. Funded by Canadian Heritage, this agreement aims to expand the pool of qualified candidates for teaching in French in the province.

Scheduled to run from March 10, 2026, to June 30, 2028, the agreement will enable CDEM to carry out targeted actions in support of the province’s recruitment and retention objectives, in collaboration with partners in the education sector. The initiative builds on CDEM’s expertise in employability, recruitment, and Francophone economic immigration, as well as on the role of the Employability Centre in supporting candidates and employers, particularly in rural areas.

Planned initiatives include the development of a recruitment plan, the implementation of targeted recruitment activities, the creation of a sector navigator role to support candidates, and a study on bridge-to-certification programs for internationally trained teachers. This component aligns with CDEM’s expertise in supporting internationally trained professionals in regulated occupations, particularly in skills recognition, certification pathways, and professional integration.

This agreement is aligned with CDEM’s 2025–2028 strategic plan and its commitment to taking structured action to strengthen the economic and social vitality of Francophone and bilingual communities in Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities and official-language minority communities.

“Every student deserves to be supported by a qualified French-language teacher. This agreement with CDEM strengthens our recruitment and retention efforts, benefiting Francophone and immersion schools across Manitoba. It also contributes to our government’s efforts to make Manitoba a truly bilingual province.” The Honourable Tracy Schmidt, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning.

“This agreement represents an important opportunity to support concrete actions that better promote French-language teaching opportunities in Manitoba and accompany those interested in contributing to our Francophone and immersion school environments. CDEM is proud to take part in this collective effort for the benefit of Francophone and bilingual communities, so that students across Manitoba can be supported by Francophone or French-speaking teachers who will help them reach their full potential.” Gab-Riel Turenne, President of CDEM.

About CDEM

Created in 1996 by the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM), the Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM) is the driving force behind economic development in Manitoba’s 16 bilingual municipalities. It is active in the areas of employability and Francophone economic immigration, business support, community economic development, tourism, and youth. Its employability and Francophone economic immigration sector supports employers with their qualified workforce needs by connecting them with qualified bilingual Francophone candidates from Manitoba, Canada, and abroad.

Information

For media interviews, please contact:

CDEM

Rim Zaimi

Communications and Marketing Manager

Phone: 431 277 0472

Email: rzaimi@cdem.com

Government of Manitoba

Email: newsroom@gov.mb.ca