The Government of Canada Announces Funding for the Francophone Community in the Greater Sudbury Area
SUDBURY, June 18, 2003 -- Diane Marleau, Member of Parliament (Sudbury), and Raymond Bonin, Member of Parliament (Nickel Belt), on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced funding of $129,750 for three Francophone organizations in the Greater Sudbury Area."The Francophone culture and language are essential components of our Canadian identity," said Ms. Marleau. "The Government of Canada is proud to support organizations such as the Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario, Contact Interculturel Francophone, and the Association Canadienne-Française de l'Ontario du Grand Sudbury, which contribute to the development of Francophone communities all across Canada and in the Greater Sudbury Area."
"Our two official languages are an essential part of our collective identity and are firmly rooted in our historical background," said Mr. Bonin. "Moreover, English and French are spoken in most parts of the world and are measures of success in our increasingly globalized society."
The Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario (TNO) is a focal point for the dissemination of Franco-Ontarian theatrical and cultural activities in the Sudbury area. In 2003-2004, the TNO will create new plays, and its award-winning play, "Du pépin à la fissure," will tour eastern Canada. In addition to its popular community play, the TNO will present a series of plays from other French Canadian and Franco-Ontarian theatre companies.
Contact Interculturel Francophone promotes the interests and integration of non-traditional Francophone communities in the Sudbury area. In 2003-2004, it will offer workshops on racism, organize orientation sessions for Francophone immigrants, and promote cultural diversity in the Greater Sudbury Area.
The Association Canadienne-Française de l'Ontario (ACFO) du Grand Sudbury will work to improve French-language services at the local community legal clinic, to enhance partnerships and communication with non-profit organizations and the business community, and to implement French-language services at the new Northern Ontario Medical School.
The Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario will receive $66,000; Contact Interculturel Francophone, $23,750; and the ACFO du Grand Sudbury, $40,000.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage under the Canada-Community Agreements of the Official Languages Support Programs. The Canada-Community Agreements of the Official Languages Support Programs are five-year agreements, finalized in 1999, that support the development of official language communities in minority situations.
Funding for these initiatives was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
[ Media Room ]
