FRANCAIS

November 26, 2001

To assist French-speaking international students attending school in Manitoba, Advanced Education Minister Diane McGifford today announced the Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface (CUSB) will receive $150,000 for an English as a second language (ESL) program.

"We recognize the significant benefits that international students bring to our province," said McGifford. "International students increase dialogue and understanding on an international basis as well as generate economic spinoffs and provide support for our post-secondary institutions. We are committed to increasing the number of international students."

"Thanks to this financing, the Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface will be able to enhance and expand its student-centred program in English as a second language," said Gisèle Barnabé, director of continuing education. "International students will be provided with a full array of learning options that are designed to help them become proficient in English as they pursue their post-secondary studies at the collège."

CUSB will use the funding over three years for a co-ordinator who will conduct placement tests, create teaching materials and offer linguistic counselling.

"To compete with other jurisdictions, it is important Manitoba maintain a strong profile and provide the services international students need when away from their home countries," said McGifford. "Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface's goal is to improve and enlarge the ESL program to better meet the needs of the growing international francophone population who enrol at CUSB."

"Providing support for international students is an important component of the province's strategy to support new Canadians and those making Canada their home," said Becky Barrett, minister of labour and immigration. "The business community has clearly articulated the need for enhanced levels of immigration and our government is working to promote more immigration to our province."

CUSB has actively recruited French-speaking international students from Europe and Africa.

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