Celebrating 30 Years of French School Management in Alberta: A Historic Journey

Among the many present were early players in the fight for French education, others involved from the start in school management and, finally, those who took over and continued the work

Why did they gather to celebrate this 30e birthday?

Acquiring French school instruction marked an essential turning point for the development of our French communities. Before 1994, parents who wanted to offer their children an education in French always had to apply to English councils.

In 1983, the parents even opened a private school, École Bugnet, so that their children could receive an education in French. This school only lasted a year due to lack of funds. Three parents from this school, Jean-Claude Mahé, Angéline Martel and Paul Dubé, turned to the courts to claim the rights they received when it was adopted Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982.

It was not until March 1990 that these parents won their case at the Supreme Court of Canada in what is known as the Mahé case. As a result of this historic judgment in March 1994, three French school boards were established in Alberta, as well as four coordinating councils. This evening on April 20, the participants were able to express their gratitude to Paul Dubé who was present.

Between 1984 and 1994, fourteen schools opened their doors under the auspices of English boards and just over 2,000 students attended. In 2024, Alberta has four French school boards managing 43 schools attended by more than 9,500 students.

Strong moments

The evening’s speeches highlighted the importance of French school management. Sylvianne Maisonneuve, president of the Federation of Francophone School Boards of Alberta (FCSFA), emphasized, in a speech printing of emotions, the impact his time at the French school had on the development of his language, his pride and his French identity.

Her colleagues from other French councils joined her on stage to encourage the public in attendance to get a “torch”, an image that aims to inspire commitment to the management of French schools.

During the evening, together with artists and hosts, Renelle Roy and Roger Dallaire, the public was able to review specific moments of the struggle to obtain the management of a French school and the first years of work schools and their school boards. Moving moments that allowed the audience to appreciate the journey taken. Videos with young students from French-speaking school boards were also shown on this unforgettable evening.

Everyone agrees that the future of French education in Alberta is promising and every participant in this celebration can’t wait to participate in the next reunion!