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The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Support the Creation of the Institut français at the University of ReginaREGINA, January 29, 2004 -- Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (Wascana), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced new and continuing joint federal-provincial funding of $20.7 million to support the creation of the Institut français at the University of Regina."The Institut français will not only play an important role in supporting and enriching our fransaskois community," said Minister Goodale. "It will also provide greater opportunity for our young people to increase their ability to communicate in both languages, a key asset in our global economy." "I am very pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting the Institut français at the University of Regina," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "Through this innovative centre, youth will benefit from access to high-quality French programs and a student support centre with a French atmosphere." In November 2003, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan signed a Canada-Saskatchewan subsidiary agreement with the aim of creating the Institut français at the University of Regina. The agreement allows for the development of a post-secondary education centre that will offer language, cultural, and social programs. The funding will be spread over a five-year period from 2003-04 to 2007-08. The Government of Saskatchewan will provide more than $13,800,000 in funding and the Government of Canada will provide funds of $6,900,000. Provincial funding for this initiative comes from the provincial contribution to the University of Regina's operating budget. There will be no incremental provincial funding over the term of this agreement. "The creation of the Institut français will enable the University of Regina to become the focal point for French-language education in Saskatchewan. I would like to thank the Governments of Canada and of Saskatchewan for helping to make this project a reality," said David Barnard, President of the University of Regina. "I am particularly proud of the excellent relationship established between the university and the Francophone community of Saskatchewan. Together we have met major challenges and, in doing so, have built a genuine partnership that will ensure the success of the Institut and will strengthen the foundations of the university and the community." Financial assistance from the Government of Canada is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage under its Official Languages in Education Program. The program seeks to help the provinces and territories give members of French- or English-language minority communities the opportunity to receive their education in their mother tongue, and to develop their potential by becoming familiar with their own culture. It also provides Canadians with the opportunity to learn French or English as a second language, and to deepen their knowledge of the country's other official-language community. Federal funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2003 Budget. Information: Pat Breton Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Finance (613) 996-3225 Mylène Dupéré Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage (819) 997-7788 René Archambault Executive Director Official Minority Language Office Saskatchewan Learning (306) 787-6089 BACKGROUNDER Support for the Institut français at the University of Regina On November 18, 2003, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan signed the Canada-Saskatchewan Auxiliary Agreement for the Establishment of the Institut français at the University of Regina. Under this agreement, the two governments are working to establish this institution as a post-secondary academic, linguistic, cultural, and social centre. Plans include developing programs, establishing a student support centre, researching issues related to Francophone minorities, and creating partnerships between the Institut français and the community. Leading up to this agreement, a committee comprised of representatives from the University, the Francophone community (through the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise), the Francophile community (through Canadian Parents for French), and the provincial government developed a post-secondary learning centre model that was then used in the creation of the Institut. Under the November 2003 Auxiliary Agreement, the Government of Canada will provide funding of $5.65 million over five years (2003-04 to 2007-08) and $1.25 million during the same period via the federal-provincial agreement signed under the Official Languages in Education Program. This brings total federal funding for the Institut français to $6.9 million. The Province of Saskatchewan will provide more than $13.8 million through its contribution to the University of Regina's operating budget. Federal funding of $5,650,000 will be distributed as follows: 2003-2004: $1,050,000 2004-2005: $1,120,000 2005-2006: $1,130,000 2006-2007: $1,145,000 2007-2008: $1,205,000 Provincial funding of $13,823,354 will be distributed as follows: 2003-2004: $2,563,207 2004-2005: $2,660,183 2005-2006: $2,760,845 2006-2007: $2,865,331 2007-2008: $2,973,788 [ Media Room ] | ||||
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Date created: 2004-01-29 | Important Notices |