Joseph Burr Tyrrell Elementary School in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada, will eliminate its French Immersion program starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The Fort Smith District Education Authority (DEA) cited 'significant challenges' including funding cuts from the N.W.T. Department of Education, Culture and Employment, and the loss of Jordan's Principle funding, which resulted in the reduction of three teaching positions and four support staff. The program, which has been in place for 15 years, was expected to serve 22 students next year. Community members, including Marie-Christine Aubrey, who helped establish the program, expressed disappointment and frustration over the decision, emphasizing the importance of bilingual education for their children. Audrey Fournier, executive director of La Fédération franco-ténoise, criticized the lack of consultation with parents and warned that such cuts could lead to the erosion of French language presence in the region. The DEA acknowledged the disappointment and committed to assisting families during the transition to core French classes, while also recognizing the financial constraints that led to this decision.