A local MLA’s aptitude for bilingualism has helped her gain a new provincial role.

Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLA Laila Goodridge was named the first parliamentary secretary for the Francophonie in Edmonton on Sunday.

Fluent in French, Goodridge will now work with the Francophone community to enhance services and explore Federal funding opportunities.

Goodridge tells Mix News she looks forward to strengthening relations between Alberta and its French population.

“It fits very well within our riding as one of our communities, Plamondon is one of the four officially bilingual communities in Alberta, along with Legal, Fahler and Beaumont. These are exciting times and Alberta has a strong French heritage and I look forward to building upon that.”

Goodridge, who studied French all through high school and University, notes her ability to do so has proven to be extremely beneficial throughout her life.

She encourages kids to get involved with learning multiple languages as soon as possible.

Now that she can put her own bilingualism to good use from a provincial standpoint, she says she’s excited for the opportunity.

“I think it’s something that’s fantastic to bring Francophones together from all four corners of the province. Whether they’re born here in Alberta or have come here from other parts of Canada or the world or if they are just like me and have chosen to speak French.”

The provincial government says this new role will ensure continued implementation of Alberta’s French Policy and Action Plan.