Some links may lead to pages that are only available in French.
Overview
The French Policy guides ministries in creating, improving and maintaining services in French. The Francophone Secretariat coordinates the implementation of the policy across the Government of Alberta.
Directory of resources in French
Use the filters to find resources and information in French about Government of Alberta services.
Education and Training
Alberta offers a wide range of learning opportunities in French from early childhood through to post-secondary education and adult education. The government provides resources on the right to French-language education, school programs, post-secondary institutions, vocational training, funding for students and adult learning.
French-language education from daycare to Grade 12
The Government of Alberta recognizes that French and English are the official languages of Canada, and that Canadians belonging to the French-speaking minority in Alberta have the right to have their children educated in French under Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Section 14 of the Alberta Education Act.
As French is one of Canada’s 2 official languages, learning the language boosts your prospects for employment and settlement across the country and abroad. Furthermore, learning French fosters greater understanding between English- and French-speaking Canadians. The Alberta Ministry of Education and Childcare encourages all students in the province to take advantage of the opportunities they have to learn French. To this end, the Ministry offers alternative language programs, such as French immersion and French as a Second Language (FSL) courses.
Post-secondary studies and adult education opportunities
Several public institutions, including the University of Alberta’s Campus Saint-Jean, offer post-secondary programs in French in Alberta.
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List of public post-secondary institutions offering French-language programs in Alberta
- Lethbridge Polytechnic
- Medicine Hat College
- Keyano College
- Lakeland College
- NorQuest College
- Northern Lakes College
- Portage College
- Grande Prairie Regional College
- Red Deer Polytechnic
- Athabasca University
- Burman University
- Concordia University Edmonton
- Ambrose University
- University of Calgary
- University of Alberta
- University of Lethbridge
- MacEwan University
- Mount Royal University
- Mary’s University
Students can also learn more about publicly funded post-secondary institutions, post-secondary credentials and funding for post-secondary education or career or skills training. In addition, various initiatives aim to improve learning pathways, student mobility and access to French-language post-secondary programs in Alberta.
Adults wishing to continue their learning, improve their skills or return to education can find more information about Alberta’s adult learning system, the community adult learning program, the recognition of prior learning and experience, and returning to education as an adult. Information is also available on private vocational colleges and on the steps to take to become an apprentice in Alberta.
Employment support
The alis website offers a wide range of publications and resources to help you find a job in Alberta. You can search for job vacancies in Alberta using various filters, such as working language, location, sector and pay.
Employment and career services support unemployed people in their job search and help them find work. Services in French are available in various regions of Alberta, including through Parallèle Alberta, Prospect and MCG Careers.
Driving and transport
You can find information and resources in French on driving and transport, including how to obtain a driving licence, preparing for driving tests and road safety rules in Alberta.
Arts, culture and entertainment
The public has access to programs, resources and services in French in the fields of arts, culture and heritage, such as provincial museums and historic sites. The Government of Alberta works in partnership with Francophone communities to encourage their participation in cultural life, showcase their heritage and strengthen their vitality across the province.
Alberta Parks provides information and publications in French to help visitors explore provincial parks and understand the rules that apply on site.
Health
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
Learn more about the requirements for applying, registering and obtaining a health card to access health services covered in Alberta under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Community organization
The Réseau santé Alberta works with the Government of Alberta to improve access to health programs and services in French. It also implements initiatives to strengthen cooperation and identify gaps in service delivery.
Disease prevention and surveillance
Immunization and routine immunization schedule: learn more about the importance of immunization, the routine immunization schedule, where to get vaccinated, and immunization records and statistics.
Healthcare Services, Facilities and Providers
- Alberta Health Services offers a range of services to Francophone patients and their families, including a 24-hour telephone interpreting services, the translation of medical documents, and leaflets and posters on various health-related topics.
- The Centre de Santé Saint-Thomas (Covenant Care) in Edmonton provides primary care in French, including long-term care and assisted living services, thanks to financial support from Alberta Health Services (AHS).
Law and Justice
Your rights and the law
In Alberta, criminal proceedings may be conducted in French. A defendant may request that their trial be held in French and may request a French-speaking interpreter.
In the case of provincial offences, the court may order that hearings or trials be conducted bilingually or in French (subject to the prosecutor’s consent). French interpretation services are available if the defendant or their lawyer wishes to use French for oral communications during proceedings and gives reasonable notice to the prosecutor and the court.
For civil and family matters, it is possible to request the assignment of French-speaking judges and court clerks (for example, where all parties involved speak French). Whether such requests are granted depends on the availability of the parties to the proceedings.
Court of the King’s Bench
The Court of the King’s Bench provides services in French and facilitates the exercise of language rights before this court.
Legal aid
The Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Alberta (AJEFA) receives federal funding to promote access to justice in French in Alberta.
The Centre albertain d’information juridique, with offices in Edmonton and Calgary, offers free and confidential legal information, advice and support to people facing legal problems.
Divorce and separation
The Guide to Parenting After Separation accompanies the course ‘Parenting After Separation’, which is offered in French. This guide provides separated or divorced parents with information on the effects of separation or divorce on children’s development. It covers topics such as the foundations of relationships, strategies to help children cope with separation and divorce, the legal system and parenting plans.
Moving to Alberta
People considering moving to Alberta can find information in French on opportunities available in the province, immigration and registering for the Alberta health insurance scheme. A page dedicated to resources for military families is also available in French.
Francophone organizations offer reception, orientation and settlement services to newcomers in various communities.
- Portal (Cité des Rocheuses) (Calgary)
- Welcome Centre for Francophone New Arrivals (Calgary)
- Francophonie albertaine plurielle (FRAP) (Edmonton, Red Deer, Fort McMurray)
- Immigrant Association Portal (PIA) (Calgary and southern Alberta)
People who have studied abroad can now obtain information on the assessment of their international qualifications for the purposes of immigration, work or study.
Family and social support measures
Children and families
Family Resource Networks offer programs and support measures that promote the development of children and young people, strengthen parenting skills and facilitate access to community resources. Services in French are available, for example, at the Guy-Lacombe Family Institute in Edmonton and the Family Support Centre in Calgary.
Helplines for crises, violence or harassment
Helplines and resources are available in French for people facing violence, neglect, bullying or domestic violence. When there is immediate danger, dial 911. These helplines are open 24 hours a day and offer support in over 170 languages, including French:
- Call the violence helpline if you or someone you know is a victim of violence or neglect.
- 1-855-443-5722
- Call the Anti-Bullying Helpline if you are a victim of bullying or violence.
- 1-888-456-2323
- Call the Domestic Violence Information Line if you are a victim of domestic violence.
- 310-1818
Income Support
The Alberta Supports call centre offers telephone assistance to help people access community programs and services for older people, employment, homelessness, financial needs, children and young people, parents and families, people with disabilities, guardianship and trusteeship, as well as the prevention of abuse, bullying and domestic violence.
Older People
Older people can obtain information in French on financial aid schemes, dental and eye care, special needs and housing options. They can also find out how to recognize elder abuse and seek help.
The Government of Alberta operates 2 subsidized bilingual care homes for older people in Edmonton: Manoir Saint-Joachim and Manoir Saint-Thomas. These care homes are managed by a Francophone community board and offer activities in both French and English.
Housing
Resources in French are available to help you learn more about housing in Alberta. You’ll find information on renting (tenancy agreements, security deposits, sub-meters) that you should be aware of before signing a tenancy agreement. You’ll also find details on affordable housing programs for families, older people and those with special needs. Finally, the Utilities Consumer Advocate offers a range of resources in French.
Emergencies and public safety
Read more about the hazards Alberta may face and learn how to prepare for an emergency or disaster.
Put together an emergency kit by following our checklists and advice on the essential items to include in your kit and in your home to cope with the unexpected.