Heritage Minister James Moore touted a renewed $1.1 billion plan to protect bilingualism in Canada Thursday as a central plank in the country’s political health and stability.

“In a country as vast and as diversified as Canada, our official languages play indeed an essential role in making sure that this country stays united,” Moore said at a high school near Parliament Hill where he unveiled highlights of the five-year roadmap.

The plan would focus on education, immigration and the health of minority English and French-speaking communities in response to consultations across the country. Moore said this would benefit Canada while helping provide a competitive advantage to businesses.

Although the Harper government has at times faced criticism in recent years for neglecting Canada’s language legislation — which requires protection, survival and access to services for communities from both language groups — Moore said the renewed roadmap confirms that his Conservative party supports bilingualism. Read more.

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