Government of Canada Supports Francophone Immigration Project in New Brunswick
PETIT-ROCHER, September 19, 2005 -- The Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, on behalf of the Honourable Raymond Chan, Minister of State (Multiculturalism), today announced $20,000 in funding for the Société des Acadiens et Acadiennes du Nouveau-Brunswick (SAANB).The funding will enable the SAANB to develop a provincial strategy on Francophone immigration. The aim of this strategy is to establish a permanent reception centre to facilitate the integration of new Francophone immigrants into the New Brunswick Acadian and Francophone community.
"I am certain that the partnership between the Government of Canada and the SAANB will enable more Francophone immigrants to contribute to the development of the Francophone community in New Brunswick," said Minister Scott.
"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting organizations like the SAANB, which contribute to cross-cultural understanding and dialogue among the diverse ethnocultural communities that sustain Canada," said Minister of State Chan. "This is how we will build a more equitable society."
The SAANB was founded in 1973 to respond to the specific needs of the Acadian community in New Brunswick and to represent Acadie in this province.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Multiculturalism Program. Canada's Multiculturalism Policy, which falls under the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, promotes the full and equitable participation of people of all origins in Canadian society, as well as interaction between diverse individuals and communities. It also encourages public institutions to respect and promote Canada's multicultural character.
Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget.
Information:
Roy Bornmann
Office of the Minister of State
(Multiculturalism)
(819) 997-9900
Campbell Morrison
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
(613) 997-0002
Claudine Daigle
Director, Communications
Canadian Heritage Atlantic Region
(506) 851-3980
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