The Government of Canada Announces Funding to Enlarge Francophone Daycare Centre in Yukon
WHITEHORSE, June 22, 2002 -- On behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, President of the Privy Council, Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister Responsible for Official Languages Stéphane Dion today announced that the Government of Canada would provide $145,000 for the enlargement of the Garderie du Petit Cheval Blanc, in Whitehorse. The funding is being provided through the Canada-Yukon Funding Agreement on the Development, Enhancement and Implementation of French-language Rights and Services.For Minister Dion, today's announcement "is an example of the Government of Canada's commitment to support the development of Francophone communities by investing in early childhood development."
"This new funding clearly shows that we strongly believe in promoting French-language institutions for our youth," said Minister Copps. "The daycare centre plays a key role in the Francophone community, by providing a French-language environment for pre-school children."
The Garderie du Petit Cheval Blanc was built in 1996, beside the École Émilie Tremblay, the only Francophone school in the Yukon. The Government of Canada contributed $250,000 towards its construction. Since that time, the demand for the daycare services has increased annually.
The expansion will include the construction of two more playrooms and other facilities.
Contributions to the project have been confirmed by other partners, including $20,000 from the Yukon government; $5,000 from the Association franco-yukonnaise; and $5,000 from the Francophone school board.
The funding for this project was provided for in the federal budget tabled in December 2001 and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Kerry Edmonds
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(8l9) 997-7788
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