The provincial government is launching a public consultation into the challenges of the French Immersion program.
Education Minister Dominic Cardy says a lack of qualified teachers is one of the main issues.
According to a report from the Auditor general, 41 per cent of those teaching French at grades 1 and 2 levels do not have the proficiency required.
It also found that 20 per cent of teachers who are qualified, are over the age of 50, and will soon be eligible for retirement.
The auditor general’s also report indicated that 93 per cent of anglophone sector students on personalized learning plans are in the English prime program. Data from the department shows that 97 per cent of kindergarten to Grade 2 students on these plans are in the English prime program; three per cent are in the French immersion program.
“The early years of public education are a critical period for language, literacy, numeracy and social skill development,” Cardy says.
“In order to create a world-class education system that inspires and innovates, this government is committed to ensuring that all New Brunswick children have an equal opportunity to become bilingual.”
The government is looking for feedback from the public on these concerns.
A survey is available online until March 31st.
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